Charles Teves
In his latest budget message to lawmakers, President Rodrigo Duterte urged Congress to immediately approve the proposed National Budget of P4.506 trillion so the country can go back to ‘normal.’
“With your review and speedy approval of our proposed National Budget of P4.506 trillion for Fiscal Year 2021, we will get back on our journey, on the road again — moving forward, getting our ‘normal’ back, reclaiming our future,” Duterte said.
“And that is why, more than ever before, we will need a strong foundation and support for our program of a resurgence, through this Proposed National Budget. And the way we will manage and utilize this Budget — our financial program for the forthcoming year — will be the first milestone in a new chapter of our journey,” he added.
Duterte also acknowledged the indispensability of first responders.
“Mahirap tumbasan ang inalay nila para sa bayan. We are forever grateful,” he said.
The president further said he believes ‘brighter days’ await the Filipino people in reference to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Despite the turbulence of a world health crisis, I stand steady, with the same confidence and certainty — but now of one who believes that beyond these bleak times are brighter days,” Duterte said.
“Indeed, we have gone through a lot these past months. But let me say this. We will prevail. Our people, gifted with faith, resiliency, and creativity, will overcome this crisis. We will heal, and we will recover, and we will win.” he added.
Unfortunately for Jean Reyes, a medical school student, her father who was a first responder, recently died and only received P500 in hazard pay. Based on her tweets dedicated to her deceased father, she’d have to wait longer for her ‘brighter days’.
“Remember my father,” she tweeted while pointing out that he hasn’t received anything in hazard pay since March of this year.
This is my dad.
He loved coffee, his work and his family.
He died this morning and his hazard pay for will only amount to php 500.
He died for that money to give his family a good life.
He hasn't received a cent of it since march.
Remember my father. pic.twitter.com/U2ems3HwdK— Jean is selling her books! Check pinned twt (@Ateh_Rayge221b) August 28, 2020
She wants people to always keep in mind the first responders who died in this pandemic. She also wants to remind the people of how ‘fucked’ up the Duterte administration is and the unforgiving healthcare system.
Remember all the frontliners who lost their lives in this pandemic.
They leave behind their family , the lives they saved and a grim reminder of how fucked up and corrupt our current government and healthsystem.— Jean is selling her books! Check pinned twt (@Ateh_Rayge221b) August 28, 2020
Jean just wants her father back.
https://twitter.com/Ateh_Rayge221b/status/1299258158842613761?s=20
Dr. Raymond Reyes was her inspiration, now he is no longer around to show her the ropes.
This marshmallow never hurt a soul. He taught us how God is always around us.
This dork made me who I am today. As someone who looks up to this humble doctor who I aspire to be.
I don't want to study your ppts .gusto ko ikaw magturo sakin papa. pic.twitter.com/x5ORkLfU4X— Jean is selling her books! Check pinned twt (@Ateh_Rayge221b) August 28, 2020
Raymond used to bring with him a plush toy they named ‘monggo’ for ‘protection.’
https://twitter.com/Ateh_Rayge221b/status/1299303717250822145?s=20
Raymond died less than a week from his birthday.
Magbibirthday ka panaman ngayong september 2 papa, handa na yung gifts mo.
Hinihintay ka lang namin.— Jean is selling her books! Check pinned twt (@Ateh_Rayge221b) August 28, 2020
Monggo was even donning PPEs when Raymond was risking his life.
https://twitter.com/Ateh_Rayge221b/status/1299309810978975744?s=20
Dr. Raymond Reyes MA-ED
-NU Dentistry Professor
-NU batch 90 MAGNA CUMLAUDE
-Model Public Dental Health Clinic MHD
-MHD 2007 President
-Medical Frontliner
-A loving husband
-My Papa
Please add my him to your prayers, to any god whom you believe in… pic.twitter.com/J6DjJycfK1— Jean is selling her books! Check pinned twt (@Ateh_Rayge221b) August 28, 2020
The government’s response to the pandemic has been heavily criticized, and Jean did not hold back in calling it out.
Hey phil gov, this is one of your front liners.
He's my dad.
He'll never see me or my sister graduate, strike fear into our suitors, see me become a dentist and take over our clinic.
Gusto mo rin ba isunod mama ko bago pa magkaroon ng mass testing o pagbabago sa pamamalakad mo? pic.twitter.com/7IxytENN2x— Jean is selling her books! Check pinned twt (@Ateh_Rayge221b) August 28, 2020
Pa, ready na yung clinic for ber months o.
I always get a candy from your bowl.
Pero ngayon kukunin ko picture mo para ilagay sa taol mo. pic.twitter.com/Hhu4jV3VYb— Jean is selling her books! Check pinned twt (@Ateh_Rayge221b) August 28, 2020
