Ex-DOTC chief's condition improves

MANILA, Philippines - The medical condition of former transportation secretary Leandro Mendoza has significantly improved, his close-in aide said yesterday.

In a text message to The STAR, Thompson Lantion, former chair of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, did not elaborate on Mendoza’s health but said “the improvement is significant.”

Lantion said the retired general remains confined at the intensive care unit of St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig, where he was airlifted after suffering a heart attack last Saturday. He added that Mendoza is now in stable condition.

Mendoza was Philippine National Police chief during the presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

He was rushed to the hospital days after the Sandiganbayan’s fourth division ordered his arrest over graft charges for the NBN-ZTE deal.

The hospital has yet to release a medical bulletin on Mendoza’s health.