When her "health-conscious" post creates negative feedbacks
In a society where perfection becomes the standard, the pursuit of beauty frequently takes us down less-examined roads with less thought given to their ramifications.
Following the viral photo of a drip session inside Senator Robinhood Padilla's Senate office, Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla found herself at the focus of a contentious discussion.
The controversial photo illuminates a larger conversation about the extent people will go to achieve beauty, the risks involved, and the laws governing such treatments.
Understandably, Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla's post about having an intravenous treatment (IV) drip session inside her husband's office, has sparked concern to the public. The now-deleted post demonstrates that Mrs. Padilla's IV session is motivated by vanity rather than "promoting good looks and good health" as her husband claims, and is viewed by many as "disrespectful" and a "mockery" of the upper house. This comes from the fact that it happened inside the office of a public servant.
Moreover, despite the senator's attempts to downplay the controversy or assert that his wife had no intention of disrespect, that bothersome Instagram post raises questions about the use of intravenous fluids as it raises ethical, moral, and institutional concerns in addition to safety and health-related issues. Lawyer Chel Diokno and several dermatologists have voiced alarms over the potential health risks associated with gluta drips. These risks include toxic impacts on vital organs, skin diseases, and the threat of severe infections.
The Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines also previously warned against the use of injectable skin lightening agents, emphasizing that the distribution of unregistered health products is illegal and dangerous. No wonder Mrs. Padilla suddenly spoke out that she's taking a Vitamin C drip to dispel criticism, with her husband further noting that his wife's intention "was just to inspire others that wherever they are, they can still prioritize their health by taking vitamins.”
But again, Mrs. Padilla's post did cause serious worry since it promotes something that is prohibited and illegal according to the Department of Health (DoH). It raises important questions about the appropriateness of conducting such procedures in unauthorized settings, such as a Senate office.
Sen. Binay was right when she said that being famous had drawbacks, particularly when Mrs. Padilla's spouse is a senator. Furthermore, the senator should be reminded that great power comes great responsibility, public service is a public trust, and that, in his capacity as a legislator, he bears the additional obligation of upholding the institution's integrity as a public servant.
Otherwise, why is he there? Is he truly serving the public or is he just trying to impress just like his wife?