Cardiologist denies saying Gloria Arroyo in danger of 'sudden death,' in need of surgery abroad

Published August 24, 2012 5:05pm

A cardiologist from the Makati Medical Center has denied saying that former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is in danger of "sudden death" and must undergo surgery overseas.

In a medical bulletin dated August 11, Dr. Robert Anastacio was quoted as saying that Mrs. Arroyo was at risk of “sudden death” because the displaced implant is blocking her respiratory tract.

But in a clarificatory press briefing this week, Philippine Medical Association (PMA) vice president Dr. Leo Olarte said Anastacio had been misquoted in media reports.

"There is no emergency condition or there is no sudden death that can happen," Olarte said in an interview aired over GMA News TV's Balitanghali.

"Sabi ni Dr. Robert Anastacio was that he was misquoted. There was a misinterpretation and he denied what was printed in the broadsheet na the only option for Cong. Gloria Arroyo was surgery abroad," Olarte said.

Mrs. Arroyo, who now represents the 2nd district of Pampanga in the House of Representatives, underwent three surgical procedures last year at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City to correct a pinched nerve on her spine. The titanium implant was placed on her neck during the first procedure, and had to be corrected during the second operation.

She was released from hospital detention late last month after the Pasay court allowed her to post a P1-million bail in relation to her poll sabotage case.

The former President, however, is still restricted from traveling abroad due to a hold departure order issued by the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan in connection with a separate plunder case filed against her for alleged misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) funds.

Last week, House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez said he will try to ask Mrs. Arroyo’s lawyers to ask the Sandiganbayan to allow the Pampanga lawmaker to consult a neuro-cervical surgeon abroad, as was thought to be have been recommended by Anastacio.

No need to travel abroad to fix implant

But Olarte added that it may be more dangerous to fix the implant now. He said it would be better to allow the Pampanga representative to heal and regrow her bones, especially since she underwent three surgeries in a year.

He likewise said that it's not advisable for Mrs. Arroyo to travel anywhere.

"Delikado yan. alam mo naman yung [kapag] nagpapatakabo ka ng sasakyan biglang break, minsan may humps may sudden turn. Delikado din yun sumakay sa eroplano," he said.

Olarte also said that in six months, there may be maximum bone growth in Mrs. Arroyo's spine and there may be no more need for the titanium plate. — Kimberly Jane Tan/AE/RSJ, GMA News

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