'Weak' PNoy missed two dialysis sessions while preparing for kidney transplant, says nephew

Former President Benigno Aquino III missed two dialysis sessions the past week because was not feeling well, a nephew said while remembering his uncle's last days with loved ones.

Miguel Aquino Abellada, son of Aquino's sister Pinky, told GMA News the former Chief Executive was preparing for a kidney transplant due to his renal disease caused by diabetes.

"He was really feeling weak... the drive to Makati Med was very taxing. He's in Times Street so it would take him two hours back and forth," Abellada said in Sandra Aguinaldo's report on "24 Oras".

On Thursday, Aquino was found unconscious at his residence on Times Street in Quezon City. He was rushed to nearby Capitol Medical Center where he was declared dead at 6:30 a.m.

Abellada said the last time their family last spent time with Aquino was on Father's Day. 

Aquino was happy but was apparently having difficulty because of his illness.

"After two hours, he got tired because he was sitting up. He begged our indulgence because he had to rest and then we left," Abellada said.

Abellada said Aquino was planning to have his cars tuned up for a road trip to Tarlac, Tagaytay or Baguio to relax.

According to Mariz Umali's report on "24 Oras", Rene Almendras said they were already planning what to do after the transplant.

Almendras, a close friend of Aquino's since their grade school days at the Ateneo, was also his Cabinet secretary and secretary of energy/

"The doctor told him that he would no longer be able to be close to crowds," Almendras said.

Another friend, Caloocan Representative Edgar Erice said he encouraged Aquino to get the kidney transplant.

He said he compared it to having an appendix removed. 

"Some people were saying that he gave up. No," said a teary-eyed Rene Almendras said. —Joahna Lei Casilao/NB, GMA News