De Villa undergoes heart bypass

Executive Secretary Renato de Villa is set to undergo a triple heart bypass at the Makati Medical Center today, Presidential Spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao said.

United States-based Dr. Jorge Garcia, who is in town, will conduct the surgery.

Tiglao said De Villa is not in serious condition, saying he was "in good spirits" when he talked to him over the phone yesterday.

De Villa, he said, had a regular check-up last Friday, but did not have any chest pain at all.

"In the course of his check-up, the surgeon suggested that he undergo a bypass," Tiglao said.

De Villa, he added, sought a second opinion yesterday and Garcia confirmed "that the best way for him is to undergo a bypass."

"He expects to be back as soon as he gets well, which may take two to three weeks or even less," Tiglao said.

De Villa’s doctor reportedly discovered a blood clot in the vein connected to his heart.

During De Villa’s absence, Tiglao said his deputies led by Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Waldo Flores will ensure the smooth operations of the Office of the Executive Secretary. — Marichu Villanueva