Mike Enriquez explains absence from 24 Oras, Super Radyo dzBB

 

Mike Enriquez revealed he has been on a medical leave because of a couple of ailments, which is why he hasn't been on "24 Oras" and Super Radyo dzBB lately.

The veteran news anchor said in an interview on Wednesday that he has been getting treatment for a kidney disease, while also preparing for heart bypass surgery in mid-September.

He said his prolonged absence from his television and radio programs sprouted a growing number of inquiries.

He assured his viewers and radio listeners that he was in capable hands and is determined to bounce back to his on-air duties as soon as he gets better.

“My doctors have told me that two to four weeks after my surgery, I will be able to return to my normal duties," he said in a statement.

"In the meantime, it is best that I rest and avoid stress to avoid  any medical emergency before my bypass," he added.

Enriquez noted that he continues to perform his functions as president of RGMA Network Inc. and as Consultant for Radio of GMA Network Inc. while he is not yet back on air.

Mike Enriquez’ full statement reads:

I am issuing this statement in response to a growing number of inquiries regarding my prolonged absence from the radio and television programs that I host on GMA.

I am currently on medical leave. I am being treated for kidney disease and I am scheduled to undergo a heart bypass operation in mid-September. My doctors have told me that two to four weeks after my surgery, I will be able to return to my normal duties. In the meantime, it is best that I rest and avoid stress to avoid  any medical emergency before my bypass. While I am not yet back on the air, I continue to perform my functions as president of RGMA Network Inc. and as Consultant for Radio of GMA Network Inc.

I thank everyone for their expressions of support and wishes for good health, and most specially for their prayers. My doctors are good and caring and God is great!

I will be back!

Mike Enriquez

Mike cracked jokes and was all-smiles when broke the news about his condition on Wednesday afternoon.

He even poked fun at his co-anchor Joel Reyes Zobel’s while he was live on air at the dzBB booth.

Talking to Ivan Mayrina on "24 Oras" about his kidney condition, Mike said: "Namana ko 'to (kidney condition) sa tatay ko, kaya kailangan ang regular na paggamot."

He added: "'Yung sa puso naman ay kailangan ng heart bypass, o kung tawagin ng mga doktor. 'Yung isasagawang operasyon, bypass operation, napaka-common eh. Pangkaraniwan na lang ngayon 'yon. Kaya sabi ng mga doktor, makakabalik ako sa aking normal na mga aktibidad pagkatapos ng operasyon."

He admitted that he already misses delivering the news during his absence.

"Alam mo, kung nami-miss ka ng mga tagapakinig at mga nanonood... mas nakaka-miss para sa katulad natin, 'yung mga audience," he said.

He assured viewers and listeners that he was in capable hands.

"Salamat po sa mga nagparating ng kanilang pagbati, nagtatanong kung ano ang kagalayan ko, buo po ang aking sampalataya sa Panginoon at sa galing ng mga doktor at sa dasal ng maraming-maraming tao," he said.

"Ang pangako ko po, babalik po ako."

Joining the award-winning broadcaster on Wednesday were GMA News and Public Affairs Senior Vice President Marissa Flores, GMA Vice President for Radio Operations Glen Allona, and GMA Vice President for Corporate Communications Angel Javier-Cruz, along with “24 Oras” Program Manager John Ray Arrabe and Super Radyo DzBB News Director Norilyn Temblor.

 

STAY TUNED: @gmanews Mike Enriquez has a very special message for his viewers and listeners pic.twitter.com/KbYAb7sWi7

— M. Claire Layug (@MClaireLayug) August 22, 2018

 

The network offered its full support to Mike during the challenge.

“GMA Network is one with our Kapuso Mike Enriquez in facing this challenge," the company said.

"We fully support him and are praying for his successful surgery and quick recovery. Together with our viewers all over the world, his friends and colleagues here in GMA look forward to welcoming back a healthier and stronger Mike Enriquez soon." —JST, GMA News