Aquino's thoughts with Dolphy; friends, family continue vigil

(Updated 3:15 p.m.) Malacañang asked Filipinos early Thursday to pray for the health of comedy king Rodolfo "Dolphy" Quizon, who remained in critical condition this week.

 

In a statement, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said President Benigno Aquino III's thoughts are with Dolphy and his family.

 

"We enjoin the Filipino people to pray for the health of Mr. Rodolfo Quizon Sr., whom the entire nation fondly knows as 'Dolphy.' We are united in our intentions for our revered icon of the Philippine entertainment industry," he said.

 

"The President’s thoughts are with Mr. Quizon and his loved ones in these trying times," he added. Dolphy had endorsed Aquino's rival Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. in the 2010 presidential elections. For his part, Vice President Jejomar Binay echoed the President's call for prayers for Dolphy. "He has given the people so much happiness in his sterling career as an actor, and has spoken to and for the Filipino. For this, he deserves our fervent prayers," Binay said in a statement.

 

Meanwhile, friends and family continued a vigil at the Makati Medical Center for the comedy king up to early Thursday, according to a report by radio dzBB's Rodil Vega.

 

Among those seen visiting him were Ai-Ai de las Alas and Maricel Soriano, the report said.

 

Dolphy remained in critical condition, even as his family voiced hopes for his fast recovery.

 

His son Eric said the comedian was suffering from pneumonia and was rushed to the hospital. Dolphy has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

 

“[The doctors] didn’t really give us a specific window [of time]. It can happen anytime," Eric said, adding the family is ready for whatever may happen.

 

A separate report by dzBB's Glen Juego said Dolphy's son Ronnie Quizon talked to media early Thursday to thank the public for their support. – with KIm Tan/KG/RSJ, GMA News