MANILA, Philippines -- First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo suffered from “common diarrhea,” and not a heart attack, his two personal physicians told reporters at the St. Luke’s Medical Center.
In an interview aired over the radio, Dr. Juliet Cervantes, who accompanied Arroyo from Osaka, said: “There was no heart attack. It was common diarrhea that we sometimes get from the food we eat…There will be no operations.”
Cervantes said she and the other doctors of the First Gentleman decided to bring Arroyo back to the Philippines given that his previous stomach pains were related to problems with his aorta.
Dr. Rommel Cariño, who joined the First Gentleman and Cervantes back from Osaka, said: “I am happy to note that [the First Gentleman’s] heart and vascular system is in good condition…The remaining dissected aorta of the First Gentleman did not deteriorate.”
Cervantes said they decided to keep him from the “long trip” to Peru as Arroyo is experiencing diarrhea.
She said they wanted “to evaluate him further.” “He is under observation. He may stay in the hospital until tomorrow. He may return to Malacanang tomorrow,” she added.