MANILA – Jesuit priest and noted constitutionalist Fr. Joaquin Bernas is now out of danger after he was rushed to the hospital Thursday morning, one of the priests who was with him told ABS-CBN News.

Bernas, who was staying at the Jesuit Residence Hall, collapsed during breakfast and had to be taken to the Cardinal Santos Hospital, said Fr. Albert Alejo.

“We were having breakfast this morning when we noticed he was not moving, (his) head on the table. I called 4111. Ateneo ambulance arrived in less than 5 minutes,” Alejo told ABS-CBN News in a text message.

“Latest info we have is Bernie (Fr. Bernas) recovered consciousness in the ambulance and is back to his normal self,” Alejo added.

It was not immediately clear why the 87-year-old constitutionalist passed out.

A separate source told ABS-CBN News several tests were conducted on the noted constitutional law expert.

Another source confirmed Bernas is now “okay” but no medical bulletin has been issued so far.

Requests for prayers circulated on social media following reports that Bernas was rushed to the hospital.

A member of the 1986 Constitutional Commission which drafted the 1987 Philippine Constitution, his commentary on the organic law is a staple in constitutional law classes in various law schools.

Bernas finished law at the Ateneo Law School in 1962 and placed 9th in the Bar examinations.

He taught and was named dean twice at the same law school, eventually given the title Dean Emeritus upon his retirement in 2004. Ateneo Law School has named an institute for continuing legal education after him.

He also became president of the Ateneo de Manila University and was an opinion columnist for a major national daily.