MANILA — Grateful for surviving a delicate open-heart surgery with a very low survival rate, First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo withdrew today all libel suits he had earlier filed before the courts including those against media men.
In a statement read for him by Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye at the Reception Hall of Malacanang this morning, the First Gentleman expressed gratitude to all those who have kept vigil during his surgery, including some of his harshest critics, saying he is taking the opportunity ” to make peace and pursue a more positive and constructive relationship with those who will accept my offer of a handshake.”
“Both in sincere gratitude to a nation that deserves a more harmonious leadership, and as a gesture of peace to the many kind hearts who have helped my family weather this crisis, I have instructed my attorneys to withdraw all libel suits pending before the courts,” Atty. Arroyo said.
The First Gentleman pointed out that seeking redress for all the grievances that the libel suits sought to address pales in comparison to taking on a genuine chance to make peace and to pursue a more positive and constructive relationship with his critics.
“I am determined to keep in touch with the God that has been magnanimous to me, and to let His spirit of generosity steer me through any future conflicts,” added the now-recuperating husband of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The First Gentleman, who was released from the St. Lukes Medical Center on Labor Day following a dreadful ordeal that started April 8, Easter Sunday, said he is looking forward to a “complete recovery with the help of my wife, my family, and particularly my grandchildren who never fail to lift my spirit when I need it most.”
She described President Arroyo as “the constant light in my life who steadied me, and who has been by my side throughout.”
“A lesser person would not have been able to take care of me, and still take on the duties of a President,” he stressed.
The First Gentleman also expressed his deep and sincere gratitude to the many people who stood by his family over the past few weeks.
He thanked the supportive clergy, including Cardinals Sanchez and Vidal and Fr. Fernando Suarez, plus at least 24 doctors who attended to him including the unnamed doctors and staff of the St. Louis Hospital in Baguio City where he was first brought after the Holy Week retreat there.
He also cited the unnamed doctors of the PSG (Presidential Security Group) who diligently provided him with continuous care and faithfully carried out the endorsements set by both the St. Louis and St. Lukes medical staff.
He made mention of the St. Lukes medical team for its “world-class care and teamwork you brought to bear to save my life.”
The team includes Dr. Juliet Cervantes, his main attending physician, and Dr. Rommel Carino who performed the major heart operation.
Also mentioned were Doctors Gary Lopez and Alex Yap who worked with the St. Lukes team during his recovery. (OPS) davaotoday.com
