FORMER Public Works secretary Manuel Bonoan underwent two procedures after suffering a heart attack, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Friday.
The 80-year-old Bonoan was transferred to The Medical City for intensive monitoring after registering dangerously high blood pressure. His medical condition prompted his camp to request hospital arrest during his supposed arraignment on Thursday.
“A formal medical diagnosis will be forwarded to the Sandiganbayan. We will receive the full report Monday. He had two procedures this week to treat his heart attack,” Remulla told reporters in a text message.
“Bonoan is not in the best of health. The department accedes to the wisdom of the courts. If we cannot handle it, then we will ask permission from the courts to transfer him to a more advanced facility like Medical City,” he added.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed Friday that Bonoan has officially been granted hospital arrest by virtue of a resolution issued by the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division.
“The accused is presently under medical care in a private hospital where he has undergone a series of diagnostic procedures as part of his ongoing medical management,” Nartatez said in a statement.
“Upon clearance from his attending physician, appropriate arrangements will be made for his transfer to the PNP General Hospital, which is capable of providing specialized medical monitoring and custodial care,” Nartatez added.
The PNP assured that it is strictly implementing the court’s directive and has put in place the necessary security and custodial measures to ensure compliance with the conditions imposed by the court.
It added that all matters relating to the accused’s confinement and transfer shall remain subject to the orders and authority of the Sandiganbayan.
