Remulla assures his good health to carry out Ombudsman's tasks
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla assured the public that he is in good health to serve his job “with full vigor and dedication.”
Remulla reacted to concerns over his health after his treatment for leukemia, a cancer of the blood.
In a statement on Monday, Oct. 27, Remulla said he is “free from cancer after a successful treatment for more than one year.”
He also said he exercises every morning before going to the office to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
He assured that he has already gone through his treatments and medications prior to being appointed as Ombudsman.
"Tinitiyak namin sa publiko na determinado ang Ombudsman na papanagutin ang mga responsable sa isyung ito ng flood-control - at higit pa siyang nasa mabuting kalagayan upang gawin iyon. Ang kanyang pangalawang pagkakataon sa buhay at nagbigay sa kanya ng determinasyon at paninindigang wala na siyang dapat ikatakot o ipagpaliban, (We are assuring the public that the Ombudsman is determined to hold those responsible for the flood-control issue liable - and the Ombudsman himself is in a good condition to do so. This second chance in life gave him determination and affirmation not to fear anything and postpone anything)," Remulla also said in his statement.
In the program “Usapang Real with Luchi” hosted by veteran journalist Luchi Cruz Valdes last Oct. 24, Remulla discussed his heart diagnosis and revealed his ailment thereafter.
"Noong pagaling na ako, na-diagnose naman ako ng cancer -- leukemia -- cancer ng dugo (When I was recovering, I was diagnosed with cancer -- leukemia -- cancer of the blood)," he said.
He said he was treated at the St. Luke’s Hospital in Bonifacio Global City and underwent two cycles of chemotherapy, did full body radiation, and had a bone marrow transplant.
He explained that a bone marrow transplant has to take place when a person has no more white blood cells.
"Lalagyan ka ng stem cell ng donor para magkaroon ka ng bagong bone marrow. Yan ang pinaka factory ng dugo (They will put stem cells from a donor so you would have a new bone marrow. That is the factory of the blood)," he said.
After the procedure, Remulla said that the blood flowing through his veins now is no longer his old blood but the blood of his son, who is a "full match."
He said he was able to recover from the treatment. “Maganda naman ang prognosis (the prognosis is good)," he added.