"So far, so good," Dr. Ramon Sin told The STAR yesterday in a telephone interview, referring to the cardinal’s condition.
He added that he was happy with the improvements being shown by his brother who suffered from congestive heart failure Monday.
The 76-year-old prelate, however, remains confined at the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in Greenhills, San Juan town.
In a statement released by the Archdiocese of Manila, Fr. Rufino Sescon, Sin’s secretary, said the cardinal is feeling "much better" and is in "high spirits."
"(He) is even smiling, despite the respirator, which is irritating him a lot," Sescon said. The cardinal was taken off his respirator at 6:30 last night.
"He can talk already," Sescon said. "We celebrated Mass and he received communion."
Despite the good omens, doctors have yet to say how long the cardinal will remain confined in hospital.
Sescon said visitors are still not allowed and that only close relatives, friends and priests keeping watch have access into Sin’s hospital room. Doctors have allowed one or two priests to keep watch.
Sescon said a guest book will be placed at the hospital chapel for those who go there to pray for Sin’s recovery.
Sin was having his regular dialysis treatment at his home in Villa San Miguel in Mandaluyong City when he complained of chest pains. Doctors said he suffered from arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), low blood pressure and a weak heartbeat.
As archbishop of Manila, Sin heralded two powerful protests that toppled Presidents Ferdinand Marcos in 1986 and Joseph Estrada in 2001.
Sin has often been criticized for his vocal stance on government policies and issues but is widely respected and recognized for his pivotal role in shaping the Philippines’ political landscape. He retired from his post as archbishop of Manila in November last year.