Philippines Cardinal Sin taken ill

Philippines Cardinal Sin taken ill

Cardinal Sin: Vocal and powerful

One of the most influential figures in the Philippines, Cardinal Jaime Sin, has been rushed to hospital after suffering convulsions following Sunday Mass.

The 74-year-old Roman Catholic archbishop of Manila is in a stable condition and undergoing a series of tests, his spokesman said.

Cardinal Sin wields considerable influence in the Philippines, where about 80% of the population is Roman Catholic.

He played a crucial role in a popular revolt that deposed the country's dictator, Ferdinand Marcos, in 1986.

Cardinal Sin was also one of the most outspoken critics of Joseph Estrada, who was forced to quit the presidency in 2001 over corruption allegations.

The archbishop suffered a bout of seizures after celebrating Mass at a chapel in his residence, his spokesman Bishop Socrates Villegas said.

But he is awake and conscious, Bishop Villegas added.

"The cardinal can talk and has, in fact, been complaining to the doctors about the battery of tests that he is being subjected to."

Cardinal Sin cut back his public appearances several years ago because of kidney problems.