Bohol vice gov explains reason for being ‘missing in action’
Bohol Vice Governor Rene Lopez Relampagos breaks his silence on Monday, May 18, with a post that responded to questions about his whereabouts. Photo from Vice Gov. Rene Relampagos Facebook
TAGBILARAN CITY — After almost three months of not being seen in public, Bohol Vice Gov. Rene Lopez Relampagos finally broke his silence.
In his official Facebook page, Relampagos confirmed that he is now in the United States where he underwent an operation but could not go home due to the lockdown as a precaution against the new coronavirus (COVID-19).
He, however, didn’t indicate in his post his illness or the reason for his operation.
“Dear Friends and my Bol-anon Family, an update — By God’s Grace, I am fine now after undergoing surgery,” Relampagos said on his Facebook page on Monday, May 18.
He also posted a photo of himself who looked a bit “slimmer.”
Relampagos, 56, said that due to the COVID-19 lockdown, he was unable to return yet from the US.
“Unfortunately, with the COVID lockdown, I am unable to return yet from the US. Thank you for your kind understanding and prayers for continued good health. Let’s stay safe and healthy,” he said.
Relampago’s admission of undergoing surgery came as a surprise, since there had been no public indication that he was unwell.
He was most seen last February when he was the acting governor of the province after Governor Arthur Yap who served his suspension.
He even managed the province during the start of the pandemic.
His absence from public view had spawned all sorts of questions including his health.
Relampagos went on an indefinite leave starting Feb. 8, before the return of Governor Yap who served his suspension until Feb. 18, prompting Senior Board Member Dionisio Victor Balite to take over as acting governor.
Last March, provincial board member Ricky Masamayor, dispelled rumors that Relampagos fell ill and was hospitalized.
Masamayor said Relampagos went on a vacation with his family after serving as acting governor for three months starting November last year.
