In 1993, Panchito lived for a while in the United States, purportedly to seek treatment after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. In early 1995, his best friend Dolphy and nephew Babalu visited him in the States where he was convinced to appear in the movie ""Home Sic Home"", a comedy film shot both in the Philippines and San Francisco, U.S.A. and produced by Star Cinema. Though his movements were limited throughout the movie due to his medical condition, his comeback was well-received by the viewers. Soon after he decided to come back to the Philippines to resume his showbiz career. His guesting in "Home Along da Riles" rated high and he was cast in Dolphy and Vandolph's movie ""Father en Son"". However, while doing some scenes for the film in October 1995, he suffered a stroke that left him comatose. A video of him lying incapacitated in bed aired on Philippine television.