First Gentleman set to leave intensive care unit

MANILA, Philippines - Five days after being rushed to the hospital for a recurring heart ailment, First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo is expected to be moved out of the intensive care unit to a regular room after his condition further improved yesterday.

Dr. Juliet Gopez-Cervantes, one of Mr. Arroyo’s physicians at the St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) in Taguig City, said Mr. Arroyo is in “stable” condition.

“The re-dissection (tear) that occurred in the aorta is already stable. There are no more signs or symptoms that would tell that the problem is still progressing,” Cervantes said.

“We expect to transfer him to a regular room by tomorrow and continue with progressive rehabilitation. Overall, we are satisfied with the clinical progress of First Gentleman Mike Arroyo,” she said.

She said the First Gentleman, however, would still undergo extensive physical rehabilitation, especially because of his lower back pain.

Mr. Arroyo was rushed to the SLMC last Thursday morning due to back pains which doctors later found to be due to a new tear in his aorta repaired three years ago and was in danger of rupturing.

Dr. Rommel Cariño, another physician of Mr. Arroyo, said the damage to the blood vessel was “small” and there was no need for surgery.

He said his “forceful coughing” could have led to the latest injury in his aorta.

“Forceful coughing and all those can raise the blood pressure. His back pains can also cause a rise in blood pressure. Anything that can stress him out can raise the blood pressure,” Cariño said.

Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza said President Arroyo continues to hold office at the SLMC.

“She calls everybody whenever there are important activities that have to be undertaken. Governance is still there, she’s governing,” Mendoza told a news briefing.

Differing views

But senatorial candidates belonging to the Nacionalista Party (NP) have differing views on whether President Arroyo should take a leave of absence to spend more time with her husband.

Interviewed after she spoke at the NP’s political rally at the Freedom Sports Complex, NP guest senatorial candidate and re-electionist Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago agreed that it is not necessary for Mrs. Arroyo to take a leave of absence as sought by some sectors.

“If she feels more comfortable directing the country as usual while occupying a hotel room next to her husband, that’s perfectly acceptable,” Santiago said.

But another senatorial bet Gilbert Remulla said the President should have taken a leave of absence a long time ago “because of the other conflicts of interest and other questionable acts that she has done in the past.”

Vice presidential candidate Sen. Loren Legarda said she would rather leave it to Mrs. Arroyo’s discretion.

Sen. Manuel Villar also wished First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo well, saying the matter goes beyond political differences and that he would do the same with other people who have health concerns. – With Christina Mendez