LET’S not be ambiguous about this: We firmly reject any assertion by political candidates that their health records are a confidential matter. We consider that an attempt to hide vital information necessary for voters to be able to make an informed choice when any candidate refuses to make his health and medical information available to the public.

This stand applies to any candidate at any level, but let’s focus on the leading presidential contenders just for the sake of illustrating the point. Of the five main candidates – former DILG secretary Mar Roxas, Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, and Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte – only two, Poe and Roxas, by their physical appearance do not arouse obvious questions about the status of their health. That alone is certainly not proof that they are in fact in good physical condition, but it is a fact that neither is of an advanced age, or has had any health issues that have come to the attention of the public.

Premium + Digital Edition

Ad-free access


P 80 per month
(billed annually at P 960)
  • Unlimited ad-free access to website articles
  • Limited offer: Subscribe today and get digital edition access for free (accessible with up to 3 devices)

TRY FREE FOR 14 DAYS
See details
See details