Saguisag stable, recovering

Former senator Rene Saguisag’s medical condition “has markedly improved” some 30 hours after the vehicular accident that killed his wife early Thursday, doctors at the Makati Medical Center (MMC) said yesterday.

In a medical bulletin, doctors said the former senator “is now communicating actively with his family and doctors.”

But Saguisag’s driver, Philipi Calvario, is still listed as critical and had to undergo surgery to improve his pulmonary condition.

Doctors said they had to perform a tracheostomy — a surgical procedure on the neck in which an incision has to be made in the windpipe — to allow Calvario to breathe more easily.

Doctors said Saguisag is recovering quite well since he is now able to recognize some relatives who paid him a visit yesterday.

Saguisag is expected to remain in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital until Sunday.

The MMC has announced that it will be issuing medical bulletins twice a day for developments in Saguisag’s condition.

But the doctors refused to answer queries on whether the human rights lawyer was informed that his wife Dulce had passed away.

Sources close to the family revealed Saguisag has yet to learn of his wife’s death. Saguisag is conscious and coherent but unable to speak.

The Saguisag couple were on their way home after a night of ballroom dancing at Byke’s Cafe when a yellow dump truck driven by Manuel Geronimo rammed into their Toyota Hi-Ace Grandia van at the corner of Arnaiz Avenue and Osmeña Highway early Thursday.

Dulce Saguisag, who served as Social Welfare and Development secretary during the administration of former President Joseph Estrada, died of multiple injuries to the body and head. She died before reaching the Ospital ng Makati.

Their dance instructor, Imelda Obong, was also hurt in the accident but sustained only minor injuries and was released from the hospital hours later.

Police, on the other hand, have filed a case of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property with homicide and multiple serious injuries against Geronimo who insisted he had the right of way as the green light was on at the intersection when he rammed the van of the Saguisags.

Witnesses, however, disputed Geronimo’s claims and said the Toyota van had the green light and the truck driver tried to beat the red light.

A lesson learned

Geronimo, a 42-year old driver from San Gabriel, Sta. Maria, Bulacan and a father of two, spent his first night behind bars Thursday after criminal charges were filed against him before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office.

“His wife Mercy and two kids visited him. He doesn’t want to talk to the media, he doesn’t even talk to us,” said Makati City Police jail warden SPO1 Rey Sangil.

Sangil said Geronimo’s lawyer, Carmen Dabug, who was hired by his employer Gerona Trading to defend him, visited the detained truck driver several times.

Even though accusing fingers are being pointed at him, some pity Geronimo, believing that he did not want such a tragic accident to happen.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, who personally ran into Geronimo at the City Hall, did not even scold the truck driver and even advised him to be more careful next time.

Binay said truck drivers often try to get to their destinations at the soonest possible time in their effort to earn more.

While they mourn the loss of their sister Dulce, her siblings do not blame Geronimo for the tragedy.

“Accidents are accidents, it can happen to anybody. We will just pray for him (Geronimo),” said Gina Stacher, the youngest of Dulce’s five siblings.

She added that “if there was anyone to blame, blame the whole traffic system that has to be controlled and for all the drivers to obey the traffic lights.”

But when asked if they would pursue filing charges against Geronimo, Stacher said the family has not yet made the decision.

Another sibling Alma Kern said, “For me, the most devastating experience is to lose a sister. It was important to note that she did not suffer long. I know that she is at peace with the Lord.”

Dulce, who grew up in Malasiqui town in Pangasinan, had assisted Kern in various civic projects in the province. Kern is the president of the Washington-Pangasinan Sister State Association (WAPSSA).

Vice Gov. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas said Dulce made great effort to help the province during her term as DSWD secretary.

“We are saddened that her silent way of supporting Pangasinan was ended suddenly by that shattering accident,” Agabas said.

Right now, Dulce’s siblings said they are concentrating their prayers and efforts to help Saguisag recover from the accident. The siblings also appealed to the media to stop asking Saguisag’s son Rene “Rebo” Saguisag Jr. on how the accident would affect his wedding plans next month. Since Rebo is the eldest, he carries most of the burden. “Do not put Rebo on a spot,” they appealed.

Rebo is scheduled to get married on Dec. 22.

Rebo claimed he is at a loss if his wedding will push through now that his mother is no longer there to stand beside him.

He said he and his four siblings were devastated when they heard the tragic news, hoping it was just a bad joke.

Rebo said they are now praying hard for the quick recovery of their father who suffered head and chest injuries and also sustained seven fractured ribs.

Saguisag had dinner with the Estrada family before he went to his ballroom dancing session.

Former President Joseph Estrada and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada visited Saguisag at the MMC just hours after the accident. Saguisag represented the Estradas in the six-year plunder trial at the Sandiganbayan. -With Evelyn Macairan, Eva Visperas, Cesar Ramirez