A group of medical professionals is demanding full disclosure of the health status of President Arroyo saying that her health is definitely a public concern.

In a statement sent to the press, the Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD), a nationwide alliance of medical professionals dealing with public issues, questioned the press releases of the president regarding her 'uncharacteristic' stay at the Asian Hospital last week.

"The President’s state of health is public domain as it directly affects her capacity to lead and make crucial decisions,” said Dr. Geneve Rivera, HEAD secretary-general.

“Malacañang should be straightforward rather than rely on poorly informed spin-doctors to mislead the public.”

After the President arrived from her trips abroad, she reportedly underwent 'self-quarantine' at the Asian Hospital. Later, her staff said a biopsy was done to check the lumps in her breast and groin but that the lumps were found to be benign.

But HEAD suspects there is more to this hospital stay than what Malacanang is telling the press.

“However, self-quarantine does not require hospitalization, and it is definitely not as short as the president’s stay,” Dr. Rivera said.

The group also criticized Press Secretary Cerge Remonde for his remarks regarding breast implants.

“Sec. Remonde’s remarks on breast implants being ‘obvious’ and ‘like those seen in sexy stars’ are both sexist and irresponsible,” added Dr. Rivera. “When pressed for answers, Sec. Remonde should just admit the limits of his knowledge rather than make statements based on biased ignorance.”

“The best way for Malacañang to end all speculations regarding Mrs. Arroyo’s alleged ruptured left breast implant is to be forthcoming with her real state of health. Once again, she being asked to do something she has consistently failed to do: be honest.”

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the President is strong enough to return to her work routine and continue with preparations for her ninth and final State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Remonde added that the President passed with flying colors a recent medical checkup in a hospital in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, adding her critics should no longer make a big deal about her health.

“The President will resume her engagements (on Monday) and even convene a cabinet meeting on Tuesday,” Remonde said in a phone interview. “The doctors have certified that the President is in good health,” he added.

This week, the President is tentatively set to attend a gathering of small and medium entrepreneurs in Pasay City as well as resume her provincial visits. Based on her initial schedule, she is also expected to travel to Guagua, Pampanga; Maasin, Leyte; and Tubod, Lanao del Norte to check infrastructure projects and social services in the coming days after she initially postponing them while under self-quarantine last week.

Included in the agenda in Tuesday’s cabinet assembly is reviewing the first draft of the President’s annual address before a joint session of Congress on July 27, according to Remonde. “The draft of the SONA will be discussed and presented in the cabinet on Tuesday. Earlier drafts are usually shown to the cabinet for comments,” he said.

Remonde meantime said Malacanang has not been remiss in providing the public information about the President’s health condition. He also denied they were deliberately hiding the medical state of the President.

“We already have given full disclosure. She had a biopsy of breast and groin and the result of the biopsy is good. She was given a clean bill of health,” he said.

Last June 30, the President checked into the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Muntinlupa for self-quarantine as a precaution against the influenza virus following a two-week trip to Japan, Brazil and Hong Kong. Palace officials later admitted that the President underwent biopsy tests for two lumps on her breast and groin that turned out to be benign. Remonde branded "absurd" reports that Mrs. Arroyo was scheduled to undergo surgery either for breast enhancement or repair.