DDB chief regrets undergoing stem cell therapy

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines – Chairman Antonio Villar Jr. of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) regrets going through stem cell therapy.

Villar said a German doctor with Thai assistants performed the treatment on him and a dozen others in a posh hotel in Metro Manila.

He did not say if he will take legal action against the doctor who performed the stem cell treatment on him.

Speaking in his program “Deretsahan” on local cable television, Villar yesterday said he has learned the biggest lesson of his life – don’t believe everything you hear.

“That’s what I am angry about,” he said in Filipino. “Instead of feeling strong, I felt weak.” 

Villar said he spent almost P1 million to undergo stem cell therapy.

“Enough of this craze,” he said.

Villar said he used to listen avidly to testimonials of some people about the benefits to their health of certain things in vogue.

“It’s not because I’m afraid to die, but you know, I don’t want to know anymore what’s causing this,” he said.

Villar said his voice is now becoming hoarse, and he is afraid to undergo a medical checkup or go through another kind of therapy as he might be told he has cancer.

“I pity my three grandchildren who are still very young to lose me,” he said.

Villar said his other friends underwent stem cell treatment and are enjoying its benefits.

“But mine, oh my, it’s bad,” he said.

Villar said he had an enlargement of the prostate and underwent radiation.

He was found to have no cancer, he added.

It was “only stage fright,” he jokingly said.

Villar said he has learned to observe proper diet, exercise and practice good lifestyle to stay healthy.