Lacson: If you’re running for president, bare your complete medical records

In a hotly contested presidential race where health has become a major issue for some candidates, senatorial aspirant Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Tuesday said that those seeking the highest position in the country should be ready to bare their complete medical records to the electorate.

During a press forum in Quezon City, Lacson likened the elections to a job application where applicants should reveal their medical conditions.

He said that by revealing the candidates’ medical records, the voters will be able to consider their bets’ medical condition in casting their vote.

“Importante malaman ng publiko na kung sino ang iboboto nila ay tatagal ng tatlo o anim na taon. Importante yun. That is an issue. Dapat talaga ilabas kasi nag-a-apply ka eh. Nag-a-apply ka sa trabaho so dapat all aspects of your personality mo, kailangan talaga i-bare mo nang sa gayon, they will choose you on the basis on what they think of you as a prospective public official,” Lacson told reporters during the Pandesal Forum at Kamuning Bakery.

(The people need to know your medical records because they deserve to know whether their preferred candidate will last three or six years in office. That is an issue because you are applying. You are applying for a job so it is imperative for people to know every aspect of your personality. You need to bare your medical records so that they will choose you based on what they think of you as a prospective public official.)

He also favored the proposition that presidential candidates should undergo a drug test.

“Although hindi naman required under the Constitution kasi Napaka-basic naman ng requirements para sa pagtakbo sa public office. Although they cannot be required, pero kung hinihingi ng pagkakataon na mag-undergo sila ng tests—medical o drug test man yan—dapat hindi ka matakot na matanong kasi nag-a-apply ka,” the former “Yolanda” rehabilitation czar explained.

(Although it is not required by the Constitution as it only has basic requirements for running for public office. Although they cannot be required, if by chance it was asked for them to undergo tests—be it medical or drug test—the candidates should not be afraid to be asked because they are applying for it.)

The health of the presidential candidates has become a major election issue as Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte admitted that they have illnesses. Santiago said that she has licked her “stage 4” lung cancer.

READ: I licked stage 4 cancer–Santiago

Meanwhile, Duterte admitted that he has four ailments: a slipped disc due to a motorcycle accident 10 years ago, Barrett’s esophagus, Buerger’s disease and acute bronchitis.

READ: Duterte admits he has 4 ailments

Both Santiago and Duterte, in earlier interviews, declined to reveal their medical records.

On his part, Vice President Jejomar Binay said that the results of his medical examinations were “very good.”

READ: VP Binay: I’m in good health to finish 90-day campaign

Administration bet Manuel “Mar” Roxas II seemed to echo Lacson’s proposal for presidential bets to reveal their medical records, citing the need for transparency. RAM