Remulla says he had heart bypass surgery, may return to work next week; won’t quit job

MANILA, Philippines — Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday said he underwent heart bypass surgery and may go back to work next week, adding that his health issue would not make him quit his job.

Remulla said the procedure happened while he was on wellness leave. He started his wellness leave on June 26 and the operation took place the next day.

“I was cleared for discharge five days after the procedure, on the sixth-day nakauwi na ako (I’m back home), so naoperahan ako ng (I had surgery on) Tuesday (June 27), nakauwi ako ng (I got home on) Monday (July 3),” he said in a press briefing.

READ: Justice Secretary Remulla takes 10-day wellness leave 

Remulla said doctors discovered he had blockages in his heart during his annual checkup from June 21-23.

“So agad-agad noong June 23 ang sabi ko sa mga doktor na tumingin sakin, lalo na ‘yung cardiologist, sabi ko magpapa-bypass ako and let’s prepare for it as soon as possible,” said Remulla.

(So immediately on June 23, I told the doctors who examined me, especially the cardiologist, I said I will have a bypass and let’s prepare for it as soon as possible.)

Asked when he plans to return to work, Remulla said he would most likely be back by Monday, July 10 – although not completely physically in the next three weeks.

“Next week by Monday, I am back to work but I cannot keep on going here. I have to be careful. I will be meeting the leadership on Monday lahat ng Uec., Asec., … para magkaron ng directions, mga orders na kinakailangan (to carry directions, necessary orders), and I’ll be talking to them often naman (nevertheless),” said Remulla.

“Kaya lang (However) I have to play it by ear kasi hindi pwedeng ipilit na bumalik agad sa normal kasi (because it cannot be forced to return to normal immediately because) it’s better that I regain my my full strength first,” he added.

Asked further if this health condition may lead him to resign from his post, Remulla responded: “Never, never.”

“I serve at the pleasure of the President, and I will continue to discharge my functions as long as the President believes in my capability to lead the department,” he added.

The DOJ chief said he has already spoken with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who, he said, had expressed support for his decision to undergo the heart procedure.

Remulla said he was a smoker for 30 years, and only stopped on January 5, 2010.

“Sabi sa akin ng doktor (my doctor said), it’s one of the causative factors, major causative factors,” he said. — with reports from Bea Delariarte, trainee

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