'Abalos health, mental state deteriorating'

MANILA, Philippines - Former elections chairman Benjamin Abalos’ health and mental condition are rapidly deteriorating due to lack of sleep, exercise and fresh air in his place of detention at the Southern Police District headquarters in Taguig, his doctor son said yesterday.

Arnold Abalos told The STAR his father has been bedridden since Friday evening because of difficulty in breathing due to weak lungs and a recurring ulcer.

“He needs more fresh air and exercise,” he said.

An oxygen tank is on standby at his bedside to help increase the oxygen supply in his body, he added.

However, the younger Abalos said they will not seek hospital treatment for his 76-year-old father because the hospital atmosphere may just complicate the situation.

“My father cannot sleep, he is deeply depressed and we are concerned of the deteriorating health and mental condition,” he said.

His father has been undergoing therapy for his weak lungs and ulcer and has been taking maintenance medication for a long period of time, he added.

Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos said the depression of his father was noticed during Christmas and New Year when he was in detention instead of spending the holidays in his home.

“It was a mixed emotion of anger and frustration,” he said. “ It was the saddest Christmas and New Year for the family.”