Dr. Jose Francisco Peña Gomez left the D.R. for New York and will undergo surgery by Dr. Murray Brennan to remove multiple cancerous tumors which have resurfaced in his abdomen. Dr. Peña Gomez, a three-time presidential candidate and current leader of the Partido Revolucionario Dominicano (PRD), will have the operation at Memorial Hospital in New York on 24 September, spending the following week as an in-patient and one more as an out-patient.
Dr. Peña Gomez had a first cancerous tumor removed from his abdomen on 5 October, 1994, during which time his spleen was also removed.
The long and strenuous campaign carried out by Dr. Peña Gomez in 1995-96 after being diagnosed with cancer and having the first tumor excised surprised many, but shortly after losing the 30 June 1996 run-off it was announced that the disease has resurfaced. He has not said when he will return to the D.R. nor what his political future will be.
Before leaving the country, Dr. Peña Gomez met with President Leonel Fernandez to discuss several matters, in particular the bill now ready to be introduced to Congress concerning the finance of political parties, and the possible execution of an agenda for national development.
In related news, the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies passed resolutions declaring Dr. Peña Gomez a “merit son” of the D.R. for his contributions to Dominican democracy over the last 35 years.