A Philippine government official with COVID-19 yesterday said that he could have easily used his influence to get into a hospital, but gave the bed to someone else instead.
Wow, what a hero?
Environment Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said he first felt symptoms on March 22 and had an antigen test which turned out positive. His doctors prescribed several medicines and he is currently self-isolating in his own home.
Antiporda, a former reporter, posted this image showing two medical professionals visiting him in his house.
“We can do this,” he wrote.
Read: Free Ride: Antiporda attacks UP scientists, insists they should not ask payment
Shortly after, Antiporda posted this, where he humble bragged about his supposed power.
“I can easily use my influence to get admitted into a hospital. I have a lot of friends and I have helped a lot of people. I’m sure they would not reject us. In fact, there’s a room that Capitol Medical Hospital that I could have used, but instead, I gave it to the mother of a colleague from the media who is a senior citizen and is in critical condition,” said the self-less cabinet member.
“My spouse and I chose to stay at home and carry on. God has a plan!” he added.
Read: ‘Completely absurd’: Pinoys blast gov’t for dumping white sand on Manila Bay
Let us explain how this post is a little problematic. The surge in COVID cases has become uncontrollable, and the Philippine hospital system is on the verge of collapse. Many patients are having a hard time getting admitted into hospitals, and there is a serious dearth of beds, manpower, and medicines. One patient in a Cavite hospital had to be treated inside a car because there were no beds available.
Read: Dead fish floating in Manila Bay raises questions on dolomite safety (VIDEO)
The situation has become so dire that yesterday, there were almost 400 recorded deaths. Antiporda’s statement shows that if some patients have the means and the influence, they can easily get a hospital bed, and avoid death.
Antiporda, the former president of the country’s National Press Club, courted controversy in October 2020 when he attacked scientists because they criticized the government’s decision of dumping fake dolomite sand on Manila Bay. Antiporda called them paid hacks and insisted they should give their services for free.
