Philippines Cardinal Sin Taken Ill

by Ma Nguyen Tong

31-3-2003

One of the most influential figures in the Philippines, Cardinal Jaime Sin, was rushed to hospital after suffering convulsions following Sunday Mass on March 30, 2003. The 74-year-old Roman Catholic archbishop of Manila was in a stable condition and underwent a series of tests, which showed he had suffered a stroke some 48 to 72 hours earlier. Cardinal Sin wielded considerable influence in the Philippines, where about 80% of the population is Roman Catholic. He played a crucial role in a popular revolt that deposed the country's dictator, Ferdinand Marcos, in 1986.

Cardinal Sin was also one of the most outspoken critics of Joseph Estrada, who was forced to quit the presidency in 2001 over corruption allegations.

The archbishop suffered a bout of seizures after celebrating Mass at a chapel in his residence, his spokesman Bishop Socrates Villegas said. But he was awake and conscious after being hospitalized, Bishop Villegas added.

"The cardinal can talk and has, in fact, been complaining to the doctors about the battery of tests that he is being subjected to."

Cardinal Sin cut back his public appearances several years before because of kidney problems.