Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla is “back in harness,” disclosing that he underwent a seven-hour heart bypass surgery last June 27 to remove a blockage that was discovered during his annual medical check-up last month.
“I’m back,” Remulla said in a press conference on Wednesday.
Remulla gave assurance that he is now “feeling better and ready to return” to his duties as Justice Secretary on Monday.
“I’m okay. So far, so good. My voice is very clear, my mind is very clear,” Remulla declared.
According to the 62-year-old Justice chief, he was very fortunate that his doctors were able to see the blockages which were considered risk factors for stroke or heart attack.
Remulla said at present, he is undergoing physical rehabilitation sessions in order to fully recover from the effects of being intubated for at least 16 hours.
While he was scheduled to officially return to work on Monday, Remulla admitted he cannot be physically present at the DOJ everyday as he has yet to fully recover from the operation.
“I will be meeting the leadership on Monday. A lot of undersecretaries, assistant secretaries. I’ll be meeting on Monday morning after the flag [ceremony] to give instructions, directions and necessary orders,” he said.
“I’ll be talking to them often although I have to play it by ear because I cannot force myself to immediately go back to normal, physically. It’s better that I regain my full strength first,” Remulla said.
Remulla also dismissed the idea of resigning in order to prioritize his health.
“Never, never,” Remulla said when asked if he was entertaining the possibility of leaving his post for health reasons.
The DOJ chief said he has spoken to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who told him to prioritize his recovery so that he could continue with his duties.
“He is very happy that I made the decision that I did, to go through with the procedure and to come out of it very well, and I thank the President for the trust and confidence given to me,” Remulla said.
Remulla took a 10-day wellness leave on June 26, citing “personal reasons.”
He designated Undersecretary Raul Vasquez as officer-in-charge of the DOJ during his absence.