After fainting, Comelec chief takes week off

MANILA, Philippines—After a fainting spell in his office early Wednesday evening, Commission on Elections chair Sixto Brillantes Jr. has taken the rest of the week off so he could recover.

Commissioner Rene Sarmiento told reporters that the Comelec en banc was told that Brillantes was advised by his doctor to take a breather.

“Hopefully, he can go back to work by Monday after he recovered from what happened. We’re looking forward to his return,” said Sarmiento, who, as senior commissioner will be the acting Comelec chair during Brillantes’ absence.

Sarmiento said the operations of the Comelec would remain normal, adding that the temporary absence of the chair is governed by the poll body’s internal rules.

Brillantes collapsed inside his office at the Palacio de Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila. He was rushed to the Manila Doctors’ Hospital.

The chair was reportedly suffering from gastrointestinal problems. He was later transferred to the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Muntinlupa City, where his personal doctor is working.

The chair is set to undergo a series of medical tests such as colonoscopy and gastroenterology exam.