Doctor BBM

Corruption in our plundered country, according to President Marcos, is a cancer that must be excised.

- ANA MARIE PAMINTUAN

One thing about certain cancer treatments: they can kill the cancer cells - along with the host.

In the excision, can Doctor Bongbong Marcos wield the scalpel or obliterate the carcinogens with chemo or radiation with surgical precision, so that the patient not only survives, but also thrives post-op?

Cancer treatment has improved exponentially in my lifetime. I know many cancer survivors, including several who were diagnosed to be in advanced stages, who regained their health, who had children and are still active a decade or two after their initial diagnosis. Cancer is no longer a surefire death sentence.

Still, despite advances in medicine, cancer remains a major killer, with certain types more aggressive than others. And sometimes, the treatment can hasten the patient's demise.

Doc BBM correctly diagnosed the disease. Now can he prescribe the proper treatment?

After that impressive launch of his anti-corruption crackdown, through his memorable “mahiya naman kayo” State of the Nation Address followed by the identification of the biggest public works contractors and the opening of the sumbongsapangulo reporting site, BBM now seems to be groping blindly for his next moves.

The economy and other sectors are feeling the uncertainty. Business confidence is down; consumption is dampened; investors are on wait-and-see.

Opportunists are stirring unrest in the military and police, compelling BBM to buy their loyalty with a salary (and consequently, retirees’ pension) hike, leaving the next administration to deal with “fiscal collapse.” Is this cure worse than the disease?