‘Distant star’ Rody laments failure to communicate

DAVAO CITY – Two years since assuming the post of chief executive, President Duterte feels he has yet to connect with people outside Mindanao, particularly those in Manila.

He lamented that he remains unaccepted by the ‘elite’ and those not used to his kind of language and leadership.

“I do not know if these people from Manila are familiar with me or I am a totally distant star to them. And when I became president, hindi tayo nagkaintindihan eh (we are still unable to understand each other),” Duterte told local Mindanao executives during a meeting over the weekend here.

The President admitted that many do not understand him, save for those from Davao City where he was mayor for 23 years. From being a local executive, Duterte was voted to the presidency in 2016.

“But I was not able to transition myself. There was never a change of paradigm between my behavior as mayor and the president… some or all of you would want me to be a statesman,” he added.

There was no subject on statesmanship in any of his college and law classes, he pointed out.

He also vowed to further improve the country’s healthcare system in a bid to provide a more comfortable life for Filipinos.

“We are always open for what is good for the Filipino, and I will not hesitate to spend money for it. I really pour money for that kind of purpose,” he said during the 85th Annual National Convention of the Philippine Public Health Association held at Grand Regal Hotel the other night.

Duterte emphasized that the government’s top priority is to provide proper healthcare system for Filipinos, although he also pointed out that there might be a shortage of funds if the government would provide health services totally free.

But his administration, he promised, would continue to work on gradually improving Philippine health care until all such services are offered for free. He also advised health personnel to work closely with barangays in monitoring the health situation in communities.

“You are better being close to the barangay health workers or to the doctor assigned in the particular area where you can dialogue every now and then. And you can map out plans on how to do it,” said Duterte.

The public health association conference this year has “Make Things Happen Through Change” as theme, in an effort to help government fulfill its mandate of achieving genuine and lasting change in society.