MANILA — Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana denied reports that he was hospitalized at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City due to cardiac arrest.
“No I did not. Just a routine executive check-up after I came here at the Veterans (Memorial Medical Center) for some eye problem. They are doing a series of tests. While here they did a full check-up. They said it was stress-related,” he said to the Philippine News Agency when asked on his medical status late on Wednesday.
In a separate statement, DND public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong said Lorenzana underwent a complete executive check-up upon the advice of VMMC Director, Dr. Dominador Chiong Jr.
“The Secretary was also urged to take advantage of his stay in the hospital to briefly rest from his busy schedule brought about by preparations for the recently concluded elections,” Andolong said.
Lorenzana, meanwhile, said he will comply with such advice.
“I will and will slow down too. Doctor’s advice,” Lorenzana said.
Also, the DND chief said he will be out of the hospital within a day or two.
The 70-year-old defense chief was supposed to attend a disaster risk reduction conference in Geneva, Switzerland last Monday but this was shelved due to his hospitalization.