Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte’s dismissive response to the suggestion of Vice President Leni Robredo to consider learning from the experience of Cebu in handling the COVID-19 challenge is basically a mirror of her father’s arrogance. It also reflects her ignorance of the role of the Vice President and her own. VP Leni is the second highest official of the land. Her role is to care for everyone’s welfare, regardless of political color or regional affiliation.
Sara should welcome any idea that would be helpful in protecting and improving the welfare of her constituents. And contrary to what she assumes, her constituents elected her as their mayor, not as their empress. The Office of the Vice President has initiated many programs in support of the fight against the pandemic, and these programs have been hailed by many quarters and supported by top corporations and even by foreign governments. Robredo is the only national official who, despite a miniscule budget, has bravely made the rounds of far-flung areas to extend help and hope to our struggling countrymen during this prolonged lockdown. She knows what’s been happening on the ground and continues to monitor what other countries are doing.
Like her father, Sara Duterte bristles at the thought that others may have better ideas. But public service is not a contest, especially during this pandemic. Everyone should extend help whenever and however they can. We need to work together instead of worrying about who gets the credit. Sara’s pompous declaration that “there will be a proper time to attack my performance in this pandemic if she dares to run for president” is totally uncalled for and disingenuous.
When Robredo decides to run for president, it will not be as a response to the dare of anyone, but because she believes our people deserve a leader who will not curse and smack them when they are hungry and hurting like an abusive father, but embrace and care for them like a good mother would.
ED DAMES
Makati City
edames.fci@gmail.com