Erap and his stooges insult Filipinos!

by Nestor C. Punay, M.D.

WHETHER to let Erap go or not to the United States for medical treatment is a thorny and politicized issue. Many people, including the president, has spoken and added a semblance of legitimacy to this issue. This should not merit discussion if not for the sinister designs that underline it. The Catholic Church and what-faith-have-you-church have jumped into the fray -- muddling it further! Worse, the government wolves, i.e. parliamentarians, are tripping over each other to lick Erap's ass while spitting on our faces. Shamelessly showing their contempt for justice, truth and fairness!

Erap allegedly has severe osteoarthritis of the knee -- a degenerative, inflammatory condition of the joint caused by wear and tear. In our dialect, we jokingly refer to such malady as "tungod sa pagka-tigulang" (due to aging process).

Osteoarthritis occurs in joints most frequently used. A tennis player is at risk for osteoarthritis on the elbow, a runner on the ankle and an obese person like Erap, on the knee. Your weight puts a lot of pressure on joints. Repetitive use also puts pressure on joints. Ultimately, this leads to wear and tear and inflammation leading to osteoarthritis. This could be mild with stiffness and minimal pain or severe with disabling pain and limitation of movement. The person typically loses normal function of the affected joint.

For those who love idiot boxes, we have become accustomed to the sight of Erap limping his way towards the presidency. His limp was proof of his joint disease. It is amazing that no one dared raise this issue during the election. This speaks volume of the Filipinos' nonchalant attitude on health. It also proves Filipinos' cockeyed view of famous people. Sadly, it reinforces our medical community's political inertness. Regardless, Erap should have told the public the truth about his health during the election. In fact, all candidates should make public their health status during the election. As a matter of principle, their health ceases to be a private and confidential record the moment they run for office. Their health will affect their ability to function and perform their duty. Since national security is at stake, their health is a matter of public concern. The public should be informed. Perhaps, a clean bill of health should be made a requirement for their certificate of candidacy. If we require janitors to pass health screening before they are hired, how much more our leaders whose hands we put the fate of the entire nation? If we do not have a law about this, then it is high time for one.

The treatment for osteoarthritis consists of pressure relief, joint rest, anti-inflammatory agents like NSAID's (e.g. relafen), physical therapy and other conservative management. For obese individuals, weight loss is a must and might be enough to control the problem. If the disease is very disabling and severe and if conservative management failed, more aggressive treatment is pursued like joint replacement and reconstructive surgery.

The question that begs to be answered is: Can we do this surgery in the Philippines?

The answer is: Yes! Yes! Yes!

The Philippines has come a long way in medicine. Many of our doctors are well trained and competent in all medical specialties. Medical practice in our country is sophisticated enough that we have our own heart, kidney and lung centers. We have one of the best training hospitals in Asia like the Philippine General Hospital. We have state of the art medical centers like the Makati Medical Center. And certainly, we have doctors, very competent, knowledgeable and well trained in the Philippines, United States and elsewhere, who practice medicine in our country.

We have doctors who perform organ transplantations. We have surgeons who repair heart valves. We have doctors who operate on the brain. Certainly, we have doctors who replace osteoarthritic knees! Erap does not have to come to the United States for medical treatment. So, the argument to let him go on humanitarian grounds due to his health is not valid. This is but a cover for a pleasurable life on exile. Furthermore, his claim that he could only be treated in the United States is an affront to our doctors' competence and an insult to the collective intelligence of Filipinos. Erap thinks that Filipinos are stupid and gullible. Lastly, his near violent insistence is a proof of guilt and desperation to escape prosecution and conviction. And as the events this week have proven, Erap and his minions have no regard for the truth, our justice system, the rule of law and our people. His attempt to hostage our nation and economy with political blackmail, threats of chaos and mayhem is irrefutable proof of this. Indeed, I am insulted and indignant of Erap and his stooges!*

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