Lawmaker tells Noy: Have medical check-up

MANILA, Philippines - Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano expressed concern yesterday over the recurring illness of President Aquino.

Albano said Aquino should undergo an extensive medical check-up to determine the state of his health and should heed the advice of Health Secretary Enrique Ona to rest and take a vacation.

He said the health condition of the President is a cause for concern in light of his repeated bouts of colds, flu and cough recently.

Last Monday evening, the flu-stricken Aquino had to leave early a gala dinner for ASEAN heads and other world leaders in Cambodia because he needed to rest.

Friday last week, the President cancelled an appointment with International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Christine Lagarde because of flu, cough and colds.

“While we surmise fatigue may have triggered the recurring sickness of the President, we believe it is still best for him to have an immediate executive check-up to determine the underlying cause of his condition and his true state of health,” Albano said.

The lawmaker said Aquino’s recurring ailments might be related to his heavy smoking. He said the President should not take for granted the importance of an extensive health screening as it would determine the steps that must be taken to improve his health.

“Good health is vital in enabling the President to perform well and effectively lead our nation,” he said.

Concerned Cabinet members and friends had advised Aquino to quit smoking.

However, their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

Some of his former colleagues at the House said he was not as sickly when he was a congressman as he is today as Chief Executive.                

Aquino maintained he was okay with criticisms but appealed to the people, especially those always opposing him, to match their complaints with suggestions or possible solutions to the country’s problems. – With Aurea Calica