BY ASHZEL HACHERO

FORMER Sen. Rene Saguisag is in a much better condition after the early Thursday road accident that killed his wife Dulce and injured two others, physicians at the Makati Medical Center said yesterday.

"Senator Saguisag’s condition has markedly improved and he can now communicate with family members and doctors. He can recognize friends and can smile at his visitors," said Dr. Eric Nubla, MMC patient relations officer.

"He is in stable condition and is conscious. There is no longer any need for him to undergo surgery," he added.

A team of five specialists, headed by Dr. Victor Alvarez, a neurosurgeon, is attending to the 68-year-old human rights lawyer.

The MMC, in a medical bulletin issued after the crash, said Saguisag suffered severe trauma in the head and chest and might undergo surgery to address complications that might arise from injuries.

Asked on reports Saguisag has a blood clot in the brain, Nubla said: "We have not issued any bulletin saying that he has a blood clot."

He said their official medical bulletin only stated that Saguisag suffered severe trauma injuries to his head and chest.

He also said Saguisag family has requested that details on his condition not be made public.

Saguisag’s driver, Felipe Calvario Jr., had to undergo surgery but was "neurologically stable" as of yesterday morning.

Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez advised the Saguisag family to keep the faith.

"I am extending my condolences to Attorney Saguisag and his family. I know he is going through a lot right now. These things really happen in life. But it is in faith in God where we manage to stand up and hopefully become stronger individuals," said Iñiguez, head of the public affairs committee of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

He said CBCP members will be praying for Dulce’s soul and for Saguisag’s early recovery.

A van carrying Saguisag, Dulce, and dance instructor Rhea Ogung, was hit at around 1 a.m. Thursday by a speeding dump truck at Osmeña highway and Arnaiz avenue in Makati City.

Dulce, 64, social welfare secretary under the Estrada administration, was declared dead on arrival at Ospital ng Makati.

Ugong, who sustained minor injuries, was released from the hospital hours after the accident.

The Makati Police Traffic Enforcement Unit (MTEU) will put up warning signs near "accident-prone" areas in the city.

Among the areas are the roads near Osmeña highway (formerly South Superhighway) where trucks are observed to run at high speed especially after dark, said Senior Insp. Gilberto Loteria, MTEU chief.

The Road Safety Unit of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said the Saguisag accident site also claimed the life of two persons early this year.

Angelito Vergel de Dios, executive director of the MMDA Traffic Operations Center, said 68 accidents were recorded in that area from January to September this year. – With Gerard Naval