MANILA, Philippines—Octogenarian comedian-actor Dolphy, Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr. in real life, is in a “very critical” condition after his haemoglobin level went down, said son Eric late Wednesday afternoon.
“He’s in a very critical state. His kidneys are malfunctioning. They’re in bad shape they can’t filter the medicine because they’re a lot. There are toxins in his body,” Eric told reporters in a press conference 6 p.m. at the Makati Medical Center, where Dolphy has been confined since late last week.
He said the doctors are trying their best to stabilize Dolphy’s condition.
“Blood pressure right now is okay but he’s very critical. I’m asking for everyone’s prayers. Nagdedeteriorate ang kanyang condition. Sana magbago yun in the next few hours. (His condition has deteriorated. I hope it changes in the next few hours),” Eric added.
He said all of his siblings are in Makati Med.
“We’re hoping for a miracle, our family will accept whatever ang ipagkakaloob sa kanya. He’s in and out of consciousness. It can happen anytime.”
Though Dolphy is “groggy,” Eric said he responds when they call him “Daddy. He raises his eyebrows or his hands.”
According to the doctors, Eric said their father is not in pain though in his case, it’s his hearing and sense of touch that are immediately affected.
After Dolphy’s haemoglobin level went down, a blood transfusion has to be made. Eric said members of the family have given blood.
“I’m sure he is fighting for his life. The family is with him. We’re all vulnerable and very emotional. We’re trying to hold on together,” he said.
“He’s very critical but we’re still hoping na makakasama namin siya nang mas matagal pa,” Eric said.
The 83-year-old Dolphy has been regarded an icon of Philippine entertainment though he is popularly labelled “Comedy King of the Philippines.”
His career as entertainer spanning for more than six decades, he has tried radio, stage, television and film.
Dolphy started during the Japanese Occupation in the early 1940s as a vaudeville performer.
He has acted in about 180 (one hundred eighty) movies and has starred in about more than 15 (fifteen) TV shows, some of which were the longest-running situational comedies on television, spanning two decades.
He has sired 17 children with six women and adopted one.
For the report, listen to Radyo Inquirer 990AM.