Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has revealed that he was diagnosed with leukemia after undergoing quintuple bypass surgery in 2023, barely a year after his appointment as secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

In an interview with broadcast journalist Luchi Cruz-Valdes, Remulla shared that his leukemia diagnosis came shortly after he suffered heart complications that required open-heart surgery, leading to a 10-day wellness leave.

“Just as I was recovering, I was diagnosed with blood cancer, leukemia,” he said in the vernacular.

The 64-year-old public official said he underwent a series of treatments, including two cycles of chemotherapy, total body irradiation, and a bone marrow transplant, for which his son served as the donor.

A bone marrow transplant replaces bone marrow that is not working properly or has been damaged with healthy stem cells, often used as treatment for leukemia.

Remulla described experiencing symptoms such as frequent dizziness, fatigue, and nosebleeds prior to his diagnosis.

Despite his health challenges, Remulla said he remains steadfast in his duties and optimistic about his recovery.

“There are still many challenges and problems after finishing treatment, but I just keep going… Maybe I really have a calling, that I have something else to do in this world, which is why my healing continues,” he said.

Before his appointment as the country’s seventh Ombudsman earlier this month, Remulla served as DOJ secretary under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for more than two years.

He also previously served as a lawmaker representing Cavite and as governor of the province.