Noynoy Aquino asks to move out from ICU — Spokeswoman

MANILA, Philippines — Former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III was moved out of the intensive care unit (ICU) yesterday, a day after he was brought to the Makati Medical Center. 

In an interview with The STAR yesterday, former deputy presidential spokesman Abigail Valte said Aquino requested to be moved from the ICU to a regular room.

“He is the one who requested (to be moved). He thought that maybe the other patients were being disturbed,” Valte said.

The former chief executive, she added, would continue to stay at the hospital as he is set to have more tests. His release is not yet scheduled. 

“The tests his doctors want to run will continue. It has been some time since his last executive checkup, so they are taking the opportunity to run everything they want to run, for his overall general wellness,” Valte revealed.

She denied the rumor that Aquino underwent heart surgery, calling it exaggerated. “I was able to visit him (Monday) night and he is OK. I was able to speak to him for a long time.”

Valte, in a tweet Monday, said Aquino was brought to the hospital “for a scheduled checkup and a routine procedure.” 

“He is alright and in high spirits,” she said. 

In August, Kris Aquino, the former president’s youngest sister, said he is “not OK.” 

“You know him. He will attend all events. The very fact that he’s not here today (means) he is not OK. Maybe now, he needs you,” Kris said in Filipino, at the sidelines of the commemoration of their father Ninoy Aquino’s death anniversary.