MANILA, Philippines — Independent medical examinations should set the right approach to the pattern of hospital arrests involving prominent personalities who can afford prolonged hospital stays, Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson said Sunday.
Lacson lauded the Sandiganbayan for ordering an independent medical examination for former speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
"We have seen a pattern of prominent personalities trying to avoid detention in actual jails by claiming to be ill. So the Sandiganbayan did well in ordering a medical examination by an independent team of doctors," Lacson said in an interview on DZBB radio.
"Such hospital stays have become a business of sorts for some high-profile personalities. It is not a joke to be confined in a hospital because it is as expensive as staying in a hotel," he added.
Lacson cited the case of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who faces graft and plunder charges. Marcoleta was initially confined at the Philippine National Police General Hospital. After the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital submitted an objective medical assessment showing no medical condition that required Marcoleta's further hospitalization, the Sandiganbayan ordered his transfer to the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas.
Lacson also cited the case of former Public Works secretary Manuel Bonoan, who was similarly confined at the PNP-GH, but seemed healthy when he was ordered released.
