We are offering prayers for the swift recovery of First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, Bacolod Bishop Bishop Vicente Navarra said yesterday.

We wish him and the first family all the best, the prelate said.

The First Gentleman received blood transfusion and underwent dialysis yesterday, a day after major heart surgery, his doctor said.

Arroyo, 60, remains under sedation during this "really very critical" period but is responding to treatment, his doctor, Juliet Cervantes of Saint Luke's Hospital, told reporters. She said the president's husband had received a blood transfusion and was undertaking continuous dialysis.

The overweight Arroyo underwent a 10-hour emergency heart operation to repair a leak in the main artery and a triple bypass of another artery early Tuesday morning.

The president has cancelled her public appointments to be at his bedside.

Cervantes earlier said his admission to the hospital was a "close call" and that any further delay might have killed him. Tests showed there was already a leak in his aorta and that a blood clot had been forming.

She warned that even after he recovers the president's husband will have to follow a strict diet.

A statement from Malacañang yesterday said President Gloria Arroyo and her family were gladdened by the news of a successful operation and continue to pray and hope for the best as the First Gentleman traverses the most critical hours of recovery.

In the meantime, the president divides her time between prayer and the uninterrupted tasks of leadership as well as the welfare of the people, the statement said.*AFP/CPG

back to top