President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. | File photo from INQUIRER.net./Ryan Leagogo
MANILA, Philippines — Does a broken heart count as a disability?
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was curious.
Then, he thought, he would get the answer from First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos.
At the 73rd Anniversary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Quezon City, the Chief Executive observed the vast array of duties that the department handles.
Its mandate includes serving persons with disabilities (DSWD).
During his speech, the President lightened up and said:
“Pati kapakanan ng PWD, nasa inyong mandato. Maliban nalang doon siguro sa isang klase ng PWD – ang person without jowa!”
(Even PWDs are in your mandate. Maybe with the exemption of one kind of PWD – a person without a girlfriend/boyfriend.)
The audience, who included DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, laughed at the President’s jest.
“Matagal ko ng tinatago na joke na yun. But does a broken heart qualify as a disability?” he wanted to know.
(I have been hiding that joke for a long time. But does a broken heart qualify as a disability?)
Then, he shared his next move: “I have to ask the legal opinion first of the First Lady.”
(I have to ask the legal opinion of the First Lady first.)
After delivering his punchlines, Marcos emphasized that the government must prioritize the needs of PWDs.
“Seriously, these people must have access ramps to government services,” he said.
Marcos concluded by giving a firm guideline to DSWD and the people: “Huwag tayong bingi at bulag sa kanilang hinain.”
(Let us not be deaf and blind to their calls for help.)