We agree with the recent statement of the Palace: The matter of the President’s health must not be trivialized nor politicized. Yes, the state of the physical well-being of the highest official of the land is not something to be joked about.

After all, no matter what one’s political persuasion may be, one must accept the fact that the Chief Executive is the pillar upon which the stability of the country’s governmental structure, the sustainability of operations, and the predictability of policies and actions rest. Market analysts, local and international investors, and the business community as a whole have the physical condition of the nation's leader on their radar screen. To them, the state of a country’s Chief Executive is an important factor in investment decision-making.

We commend the Palace for announcing the President’s recent hospitalization and being transparent about his condition. This recognizes that the President’s health is a matter of public interest. His office has a duty to keep the public informed.

We also commend the President for seeking medical attention. While his health is a personal concern, it is also a public responsibility. In a way, as far as elected public officials are concerned, it is their responsibility to take good care of their physical, emotional, and mental well-being, not just for their own sake but also that of their constituents. In other words, a leader is duty-bound to be and to stay physically fit.

At the local government level, we express elation over the news that the President’s ailment is non-life-threatening. We wish him a full recovery and pray that he continues to be blessed with good health. There are important actions and decisions that the national government must make and take at this point. They require the wisdom of the President’s direction, and he can best lend this when he is, as the saying goes, “in the pink of health.”

We noted that there appears to be a “debate” going on in social media regarding the nature and “gravity” of the President’s ailment. We will now put on our medical doctor’s hat and put in our few cents’ worth to the discussion on this matter.

The official diagnosis reportedly said the President had gone to the hospital due to discomfort arising from “diverticulitis.”

What is this ailment, and is this “life-threatening” as some of his critics allege?

Diverticulitis is basically an inflammation. This happens within the walls of the large intestines. These “walls” are supposed to be smooth. Among certain people, particularly those who are 50 years old and above, these intestinal walls become “rough” due to irregular bulging pouches called “diverticula.”

When one has diverticula, the condition is called “diverticulosis.” From the medical standpoint, diverticulosis is not a disease.

Now, these pouches, called diverticula, could occasionally be inflamed. The inflamed condition is called “diverticulitis,” which was the President’s complaint. That inflamed condition can cause pain, fever, changes in bowel movement, and even nausea. Those who suffer from this condition swear that their situation can be very uncomfortable and can disrupt work and daily routine.

Severe diverticulitis may require surgery. Mild diverticulitis simply requires rest and prudence in one’s diet. Sometimes, antibiotics may help.

True, there are research studies in the medical field that are looking into a possible link between diverticulitis and colorectal cancer. There appears to be no consensus on this matter yet. There are preliminary findings that there are increased risks of colorectal cancer among patients with acute diverticulitis. We underscore: the risk is increased, but acute diverticulitis does not automatically equate to having cancer.

Based on what we have read in the media, it appears the President’s situation is, while causing discomfort, a mild one.

At this point, we hope the President would find time to de-stress and rest. Some might say such is an unreasonable wish. After all, it is understandable that the issues and controversies in the political arena may be taking their toll on his health. They do. Perhaps, no elected official is exempt from the stress that comes from the chaos and conflict that are endemic to the world of politics. In this sector, service is on a 24/7 basis, and so is the pressure coming from constituents, other branches of government, and adversaries.

One option would be for the people trusted by the elected official to share the burden of his office. While the mandate can neither be shared nor delegated, the tasks and responsibilities can be distributed to the appointive staff. This way, the elected official may accord himself some respite from the demands of his position.

The President has some good executives within his official team. They should be able to share some of his tasks and help him solve the major issues of the day.

For the rest, let us include the President in our prayers. Let us pray that he may recover quickly and that he may continue to enjoy the benefits of good health. This kind of prayer is not exclusive to those who personally like the President. This prayer must be shared by every Filipino who wants our country to be spared from the woes that come with instability and uncertainty.

When the President stays healthy and strong, we all win.

(The author is a Doctor of Medicine, an entrepreneur and the mayor of Antipolo City, former Rizal governor, and DENR assistant secretary, LLDA general manager. Email: [email protected])