‘P-Noy to continue working despite health problems’

MANILA, Philippines - Despite health concerns, President Aquino will just do what needs to be done and make sure he does his best in running the government regardless of his health condition, a Palace official said yesterday.             

“The President just chooses to go on to the best of his abilities,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a news briefing in Malacañang.   Valte said Health Secretary Enrique Ona has always been suggesting that Aquino should take a rest – not a working vacation – maybe on a quarterly basis.

But the Chief Executive is always busy whenever the topic is being raised.  Ironically, Aquino has been criticized before for apparently considering himself an ordinary government clerk with a 9-to-5 daily routine.

However, critics are now urging him to take a break from a very hectic schedule. “Funny how critics would sometimes brand the President as an ordinary clerk having a 9 to 5 duty, and now they are urging him to take a vacation. Maybe if I were in his shoes, I also wouldn’t know how to react to this,” Valte said, smiling.  She, however, emphasized that it’s up to the President whether to take a vacation beyond what is allowed him, which normally happens on Christmas, New Year and Good Friday.  

“As to the rest, it’s really up to the President. And we also can’t blame him if he would not take a break because of so many problems that needed to be addressed. He can do it,” she said.     

Ona wanted Aquino to take a vacation, maybe every three months or so, for him to be in perfect health always, following reports of repeated bouts with flu, allergic rhinitis and recently, a bum stomach.