PBA veteran Cardona’s condition ‘improving’ after overdose

MANILA, Philippines – PBA veteran Mac Cardona’s condition is “improving,” according to a statement from NLEX team manager Ronald Dulatre on Wednesday, August 24.

The 34-year-old shooting guard was hospitalized after he overdosed on sleeping pills but was in stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the University of Perpetual Help Dalta Medical Center in Las Piñas as of Sunday, August 21.

But he was transferred to the Makati Medical Center on Monday night, August 22. The Makati Medical Center is under the MVP Group, which owns Cardona’s team, the NLEX Road Warriors.

“His condition is improving but he cannot yet accept visitors as advised by his doctors,” the statement read. “We’ll keep you posted on his development.”

NLEX management again reiterated its support for Cardona, who has been with the team since it acquired the Air21 Express franchise in 2014.

“The management will continue to provide whatever assistance he may need during recovery. Meantime, let’s continue to pray for his fast recovery.”

The former DLSU Green Archers star and UAAP Finals MVP was reportedly suffering from depression and was involved in domestic issues. His agent Danny Espiritu did not confirm whether or not Cardona attempted suicide.

Espiritu said Cardona was also worried over his contract with NLEX, which expires on August 31, and was having family problems.

NLEX team captain Asi Taulava expressed the team’s support for Cardona, who was relegated to the Injured/Reserve list after getting reactivated on August 11.

“We’re all praying for him that he push through. It’s a tough time for him but you know, we will support him,” he said after NLEX lost 101-95 to Meralco on Wednesday. “We’re happy that he’s doing better, his condition is going good, hopefully he can pull through. All of us are here to support him.”

Taulava said the team has been told to wait until Cardona is better before they visit. They are planning a team visit on Friday, August 26, after the game against Phoenix.

“They told us to have us going and see how he’s doing, to lift up his spirit,” Taulava said. – Rappler.com