As most of you know and can imagine, last week was a rollercoaster for me. I participated in a forum for senatorial candidates where my enjoyment of the proceedings was occasionally interrupted by the odd twinge in my chest. I chalked it up to excitement or nerves, but when the feeling persisted even after the forum ended, I decided to do the prudent thing and go to my doctor. My statements to the press in the last week have already filled in the rest of the picture: tests were run, an operation was conducted and a serious discussion with my doctors and family concluded in me withdrawing from the Senate race.

“UHC will cover majority of the expenses commonly incurred by Filipinos, as the bill expands what is covered by primary care benefits.

I was told several times in the last week that I was very lucky, that it was a miracle that they caught the issue with my heart before a more serious cardiac incident had taken place. At first, I didn’t feel very lucky – especially when I realized that my condition meant having to set aside my hopes for the 2019 elections. I’ve had a few days to think on my decision and truly rest and, in that time, I’ve had to think, I see what my doctors and loved ones mean.

Health is something that we take for granted until there’s something wrong. Most of us go through life chasing our dreams or having a good time, not really thinking about the condition of our vehicle throughout the ride. Then a tire pops or the engine falters and we’re forced to slow down and consider what we’ve been doing. The issue with my heart was like driving around with a worn suspension — it was a miracle I didn’t get into a crash.

I’m also lucky that when I needed the health intervention, I had enough resources to be able to afford it. One of the main reasons I was so driven to pass the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act – so much that I kept coordinating and assisting even after I left Congress — is because it is essential for a system to be in place when something goes wrong with our bodies — and we need to be able to afford it. UHC will cover majority of the expenses commonly incurred by Filipinos, as the bill expands what is covered by primary care benefits.

While major heart surgery is not covered by primary care benefits even under UHC, our bill is at least a place to start. Hopefully, with health services soon to be more affordable, more Filipinos will seek treatment before they develop more dangerous conditions. Health maintenance is like vehicle maintenance and we should take both seriously — especially if, as predicted in the horoscopes for the incoming Chinese New Year, you happen to be a Snake, Horse (like me!), or Rabbit.