Ombudsman Remulla in pink of health, eager to go after grafters

By Benjamin Pulta, Philippine News Agency

Remulla has revealed that he was diagnosed with leukemia after undergoing a quintuple bypass heart surgery in 2023, but has since recovered. (Senate of the Philippines/facebook)

MANILA – The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) on Monday clarified that Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla is healthy and physically fit to perform his duties.

In a statement, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said recent revelations made by Remulla in a television news forum was meant to disclose past health issues.

Remulla has revealed that he was diagnosed with leukemia after undergoing a quintuple bypass heart surgery in 2023, but has since recovered.

“Upang linawin ang ilang pahayag na inilabas nang wala sa konteksto: Ang Ombudsman ay nasa mabuting kalusugan at patuloy na ginagampanan ang kanyang tungkulin nang buong sigla at dedikasyon. Ang Ombudsman ay malaya na sa kanser at malaya na sa loob ng isa’t kalahating taon. Siya rin ay nag-eehersisyo tuwing umaga bago pumasok sa opisina upang mapanatili ang malusog na pamumuhay (To clarify some and contextualize: The Ombudsman is in good health and continues to work with vigor and dedication. The Ombudsman is already free from cancer for one and a half years. He also exercises every morning before going to the office to remain healthy),” Clavano said.

The OMB spokesperson said Remulla’s statements about his health were “in the past tense” and refers to his experience before he was appointed Ombudsman.

“Tinitiyak namin sa publiko na determinado ang Ombudsman na papanagutin ang mga responsable sa isyung ito ng flood control –at higit pa siyang nasa mabuting kalagayan upang gawin iyon. Ang kanyang pangalawang pagkakataon sa buhay ay nagbigay sa kanya ng determinasyon at paninindigang wala na siyang dapat ikatakot o ipagpaliban (We assure the public of the Ombudsman’s determination to hold accountable those responsible for the flood control issue and that he is physically fit to do so. His second chance at life has given him determination and resolve not to fear or spare anyone),” he said.

Remulla said he has undergone two cycles of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

Remulla said his son was the bone marrow donor, leading to his full recovery.