I remember during my first few years as Secretary of Public Works, President Duterte called me personally and I was surprised with the many missed calls prior to me answering.
It turns out he was calling from the children’s cancer ward and his plea was for me to help look for a job for the father of one of the child cancer patients.
The father was an out-of-work engineer who was having a hard time financially especially with his child’s condition. We were able to help the father and I remember feeling so touched by his concern for those children.
Amidst all the trials and projects we completed during our time together, this stands out as one of my most poignant memories of him and I will always remember the sincerity and kindness of his actions that day. They speak volumes about his character and compassion for others.
Mr President, I hope that you are in good health and being treated well. I’m sad that your simple wish to be judged by the Filipino people did not reach fruition.
I continue to pray that you will be given the fairness and compassion that all Filipinos deserve.