Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople will take a two-week wellness leave effective immediately following the deaths of her two elder brothers – both from lung cancer earlier this month.
Ople thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for granting her request and for expressing his personal condolences to her family.
Her brother, former Hagonoy Mayor Felix “Toti” Ople, died on July 13 at 65 years old while another brother, Blas Ople Jr., a former journalist, passed away five days later at 71 years old.
“Our family lost two good men within a span of five days,” Secretary Ople said.
“They are now in a much better place, free from pain and reunited with our beloved parents and brother, Raul,” she added.
Ople said she needs time to grieve and be with members of her family while also looking after her own wellness needs.