Mike Enriquez takes medical leave

Mike Enriquez has set the record straight about his sudden absence from his TV and radio programs at GMA-7 and DZBB.

In a statement Wednesday, the 24 Oras anchor said he is currently being treated for kidney disease and will also undergo a heart bypass surgery in mid-September, which will force him to take more time off from his on-air duties at the Kapuso Network.

“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 the meantime, it is best that I rest and avoid stress to avoid any medical emergency before my bypass.”

GMA-7 in a statement said it is one with Enriquez in facing this challenge and they “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,” the network said.

Read Enriquez’s full statement below:

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!