‘Daang matuwid’ points to freeing Morong 43

IT HAS BEEN FOUR MONTHS SINCE STATE security forces detained 43 health workers attending a health skills training seminar in Morong, Rizal. Until now, for these colleagues of ours from the health sector, justice has been elusive.

As a nurse in a government-run hospital, I have personally seen the horrors of a failed health care system and I am angered by the fact that in this country—where seven out 10 ill citizens die without the benefit of being checked by a health care provider—health workers who labored to ameliorate the health conditions of people especially in far-flung areas have been abducted, tortured and put to jail.

As the eagerly awaited sunset of the Arroyo regime approaches, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo can never boast of a legacy that promotes health care reforms, human rights protection or health workers’ empowerment.

I am hopeful and optimistic that President-elect Noynoy Aquino will be true to his promise to take the “daang matuwid” (righteous path). One thing he can do to show he is fulfilling this promise is by releasing the Morong 43 and all political detainees and by giving justice to all victims of human rights violations during the Arroyo regime.

By releasing the Morong 43, Aquino will be showing concrete proof that he is completely different from his much-hated predecessor. And that like these 43 jailed heroes, he is committed to uphold human rights and safeguard the people’s health.

—SEAN HERBERT VELCHEZ, RN,
Philippine Orthopedic Center,
Maria Clara St., Quezon City