Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, is “back to his normal self” except for a slight problem in his movement.
The prelate reportedly suffered from a mild stroke and stayed in the hospital for several weeks.
“It is heartwarming to know that there are so many people who are showing deep concern and sincere love to our dear archbishop,” said Monsignor Paul Cuison, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Davao.
In a statement released on Saturday, July 18, Monsignor Cuison said the archbishop “is getting back to his normal self in an almost miraculous way.”
The priest said Archbishop Valles has “only a slight problem of his physical movement, which is also showing great improvement.”
Monsignor Cuison said the archbishop was admitted to a hospital in Davao City May 23. He said the prelate had to stay in the health facility due to some complications, like a hospital-acquired pneumonia.
The priest assured that the prelate has long been declared by his doctors as “stable.” He said Archbishop Valles already celebrated Mass on his 69th birthday on July 10.
Monsigno Cuison said he is “optimistic” that it would just be a matter of days and Archbishop Valles will be back to celebrate Masses with the faithful.
Meanwhile, Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan will take over as “acting president” of the bishops’ conference while Archbishop Valles is recuperating.
“He asked me to take over as acting CBCP president while he’s recuperating,” Bishop David said in an interview over Radio Veritas 846, on July 17.
“This is only temporary. I am acting president because I am the vice president,” he said.
Archbishop Valles and Bishop David were elected to their posts during the conference’s plenary assembly in July 2019.
They will be serving their posts until November 2021.
