COVID-19 and the politicization of health

Along with the rising COVID-19 cases in the country every day is the growing sentiment of the people for the resignation of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. Without a clear strategic plan to address the pandemic and with the recent corruption scandal in PhilHealth, the secretary is struggling to prove his competency. Even health workers and professional medical organizations have expressed their disappointment against him and asked President Duterte to consider replacing him.

Despite the public clamor, the President seems to remain confident that Duque is still the right person for the job. Mr. Duterte even defended Duque on several occasions. Their personal connection, even before Mr. Duterte’s rise to presidency, could be a compelling reason why he cannot relieve Duque of his duties.

It is understandable that as President, Mr. Duterte has the prerogative to choose the members of his Cabinet. Usually, the appointees are classmates, friends, or next of kin whom he trusts and believes in. This is not a new case in Philippine politics. Former administrations had done the same. There are several instances where people occupy government positions simply because they are a kamag-anak, a kum-pare, or a kaibigan of the incumbent. This practice is rooted in our country’s political culture. Traditional values like family-centeredness and our notion of utang ng loob have become embedded in our social institutions. Oftentimes, these practices and values overshadow the efficiency and legality of rules in society.

Modern social organizations like the government operate through a bureaucracy. German sociologist Max Weber pointed out that one characteristic of a bureaucracy is its impersonality in the application of rules. This means that rather than being based on traditional ties, kinship, and personal feelings, the authority of people should be grounded on rational-legal bases. In other words, formal rules rather than personal ties should decide whether somebody is fit to rule or not.

The fact that Duque, in spite of his shortcomings, has the President’s trust in leading the fight against the pandemic is a clear sign that traditional and personal values shape the decision of the current administration. It shifts its attention from urgently addressing the concerns of the citizens to securing the feelings of personal friends and family members for the sake of utang na loob.

Health concerns, such as the current pandemic, are no longer seen objectively but are defined by the subjective preferences of people in authority. It seems the decision of the Duterte administration about Duque’s role will not consider other criticisms or suggestions, even those of doctors and medical professionals. Clearly, the crisis brought about by the coronavirus pandemic is being exacerbated by the politicization of health. And when health institutions are politicized, the government loses sight of what needs to be prioritized, who should be heard, and how to get things done.

Putting the right people on the job is the first step in managing our country’s response against the coronavirus. This will require professionalism in leadership. Such entails the removal of those who cannot properly fulfill their roles, even when they are friends with or are kin to the leader. Personal matters and familial connections should not mix with sworn duties and responsibilities, especially during these crucial times.

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Prince Kennex R. Aldama is an assistant professor of sociology at the Department of Social Sciences, UP Los Baños.