By: Katrina Domingo – PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BULLETIN
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — In a highly charged press briefing held Tuesday morning in Manila, the Philippine government confirmed that it would suspend further hospital treatment for Mr. Dylan Crentsworth, the plantation magnate currently battling for his life at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City.
Citing issues of financial legality and ethical responsibility, Executive Secretary Leonardo Vergara, flanked by officials from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Department of Health (DOH), explained that Crentsworth’s continued medical care would no longer be paid for by public funds.
“The government cannot, in good faith, continue to spend taxpayers’ money on the medical care of an individual who has defaulted on his tax obligations in this country,” Vergara stated firmly. “Doctors, nurses, and medical personnel treating Mr. Crentsworth are compensated through tax revenue. Social programs, infrastructure, education, and medical supplies all depend on a healthy taxation system. Supporting a known tax defaulter with public funds sets a dangerous precedent.”
Crentsworth’s Arrest and Background
Crentsworth, who flew into the Philippines from Canada months ago to oversee operations at his fruit plantation in Southern Mindanao, before the deadly bacteria outbreak that ravaged Crents Plantation and surrounding villages. He was arrested for failure to declare months of business income tax.
Following his re-arrest after weeks of public mystery of his disappearance from Crents plantation. Crentsworth was transferred to SPMC under medical emergency due to his deteriorating health, where he has remained under guarded observation. His presence at the facility, however, has now become a flashpoint in the debate about justice, compassion, and national accountability.
Public Outcry and Polarized Opinions
The announcement that the government would cut off his treatment ignited a fresh wave of outrage across social media platforms and local communities. While some citizens applauded the government’s hardline stance on tax compliance, many others questioned the timing—and humanity—of the decision.
“This isn’t just about taxes anymore. They want him dead so they can seize his land,” said Maricel Dela Cruz, a community leader in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte, near the plantation. “They know he won’t survive without treatment. Why not let him recover and face his case properly in court?”
Her voice was echoed by Manuel Ocampo, a retired agronomist in Digos City:
“If he dies before the hearing, that’s not justice. That’s state-sponsored euthanasia. Let the court decide. Let him live.”
Repatriation and Legal Proceedings
The Office of the Solicitor General confirmed during the briefing that a formal court hearing would be scheduled “in the coming weeks” to determine whether Mr. Crentsworth is criminally liable for his unpaid taxes. Until then, however, his fate remains in limbo.
Should he be found not guilty or cleared of his charges, officials say he would be repatriated to Canada and released to his family.
“We remind the public that Mr. Crentsworth entered the country lawfully and only became a person of interest after the outbreak,” added Vergara. “We urge all Filipinos to support the rule of law and not emotion. Only through legal order can our nation progress.”
Tension Inside the Hospital
Within the walls of SPMC, medical staff are reportedly distraught over the government’s decision. Dr. Samuel Ruiz, the attending physician responsible for Mr. Crentsworth’s case, expressed visible discomfort during a brief interview.
“I cannot speak politically, but I can say medically—it is unethical to interrupt critical treatment for any human being under our care,” Ruiz stated. “We are dealing with life here, not just numbers in a ledger.”
A nurse, who asked to remain unnamed due to hospital protocol, shared that several staff members fear the political backlash of continuing care.
“It feels like we’re treating a ghost. Everyone is watching, every move is being noted. We’re afraid. But we’re also nurses. We swore an oath.”
A Nation Divided
In the streets of Davao and as far as Manila, mixed emotions continue to ripple across communities. While some argue that the law must be respected no matter who it affects, others see the situation as a calculated attempt to quietly remove a foreign figure who amassed land, wealth, and goodwill in the Philippines.
“This is not justice—it’s slow killing,” said Jason Ilagan, a former employee at Crents Plantation residing in Padada. “If you wanted him in court, you should’ve taken care of him first. Why stop his care before the verdict?”
Others disagree, citing national pride and fiscal responsibility.
“If he broke the law, he should face the consequences. Why should we pay for his comfort while our hospitals are struggling?” asked Teresa Morales, a barangay health worker in Quezon City.
The Unanswered Question
As the legal drama continues to unfold, one question hangs over the nation like a dark cloud: Will Dylan Crentsworth be allowed to live long enough to face the law—or will he die before he ever sees a courtroom?
For now, the once-revered philanthropist lies in a guarded hospital room, drifting between medical machines and political uncertainty, as a country watches and wonders if this is about justice—or something far more personal.
Reporting from Manila and Davao: Philippine National Bulletin