Veteran DZRH reporter Boy Gonzales dies after stroke; family alleges negligence by Manila hospitals

Veteran journalist and longtime DZRH reporter Misael Gonzales Jr., popularly known as “Boy” Gonzales, passed away Monday morning, May 11, after suffering a stroke. He was 67.

But beyond the death of the veteran Manila beat reporter, the tragedy has also raised serious questions over the alleged negligence and lack of emergency care in several Manila hospitals where Gonzales was brought while in critical condition.

According to a report aired on DZRH’s “Damdaming Bayan,” Gonzales died at around 6:11 a.m. at Manila Medical Center.

His family said Gonzales first complained of dizziness and difficulty breathing Sunday morning, May 10, prompting relatives to rush him to a hospital in Tondo before noon.

However, the family claimed Gonzales was transferred from one hospital to another while his condition continued to worsen.

He was later brought to Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital for a CT scan, but relatives alleged hospital personnel informed them that the machine could not be used because no technician was available to operate it.

The family said Gonzales was then transferred again before eventually arriving at Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center at around 7 p.m.

Relatives alleged the veteran reporter remained in a hallway for nearly five hours without a hospital bed or immediate treatment while waiting for medical attention.

The family also expressed outrage over what they described as insensitive remarks allegedly made by hospital personnel during the emergency.

The incident has sparked criticism online, with supporters and fellow journalists calling attention to the state of emergency healthcare services in Manila hospitals and the difficulties patients face in obtaining urgent medical care.

Meanwhile, Isko Moreno extended his condolences to the family of Gonzales following the veteran reporter’s death.

Gonzales was widely respected in Philippine media for his decades-long coverage of Manila City Hall, police, and public affairs stories for DZRH.