Much ado about BBM’s disease

By Herbert Vego

THE overnight confinement of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City on Wednesday (January 21) has inevitably brought up the question, “What if he gets incapacitated or dies as a result?”

Before we get to that unwelcome possibility, let us see whether the disease is life-threatening.

By viewing the vlog of Dr. Gary Sy on diverticulitis, I learned that the disease is not as dangerous as some of the President’s detractors wish it were.

Sy explained that it is a painful intestinal problem where the diverticula or small pouches lining the intestines get inflamed, leading to infection. While most cases are mild and treatable with rest, diet changes, and antibiotics, the infected diverticulum could burst, necessitating surgery.

According to the website of the Florida-based Medi-Station Urgent Care, chronic stress could trigger diverticulitis by increasing bodily inflammation and altering gut function. Studies indicate a high correlation between stress, depression, anxiety, and the frequency of diverticulitis attacks.

Stress due to a threat to his life – by whom, everybody knows — might have been too much for BBM to brush off.

His overnight hospitalization meant, however, that he was never near death or date with a surgeon.

Anyway, since there is no warranty on life, what if the 68-year-old President loses it?

According to the 1987 Constitution (Article VII, Section 8), if the President dies, the Vice President assumes the presidency to serve the unexpired term.

Alas, it could be easier said than done because of the political turmoil harrowing the government today. In several media interviews, former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has warned that there would be a critical, high-risk situation for the stability of the Philippine government if Vice President Sara Duterte takes over.

“She is vindictive,” Trillanes warned to stress the expected refusal of the critical political opposition to recognize her.

Unless the new impeachment complaint against her succeeds, she remains as the presidential successor.

Trillanes and a group calling itself “The Silent Majority (TSM)” lodged the impeachment complaint against Duterte before the Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday for alleged violations of Republic Act (RA) No. 7080 or the Plunder Law, RA 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and the Revised Penal Code (direct and/or indirect bribery).

Let us also not forget that a takeover government necessitates the cooperation of all government agencies, notably the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) which does not toe the line of the constitutional successor, VP Sara, who is known to be a “friend” of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Remember, the official stance of the AFP under Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. is one of resolute defense of our national interests and sovereign rights, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), which is within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Only last Saturday, the Department of National Defense (DND) and the AFP strongly condemned the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for accusing certain Philippine uniformed personnel of “habitually inciting confrontation” about the West Philippine Sea.

DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said, “We shall continue to speak against their lies and malign actions when such are committed.”

It is hard to imagine them begging Sara Duterte and Xi for their lives.

-oOo-

LINE WARRIORS WIN THE ‘WAR’

CONGRATS to the linemen of MORE Electric and Power Corp.  (MORE Power) for keeping Iloilo City continuously energized during its week-long events celebrating Dinagyang 2026.

Everywhere we went, linemen were moving around to ensure that all power lines were in tip-top and safe condition.

The Dinagyang week also saw local and native tourists lining up to be photographed for souvenirs with mascot Moroy at the MORE PowerUP booth in front of the Castle Chateau hotel.

Extra kudos to MORE Power for coming up with a sideshow performance of its personnel during the Dinagyang parade.

You did well, amigo JonCab.