The Sandiganbayan on Monday allowed detained Senator Jinggoy Estrada to undergo a medical evaluation for his knees despite the objection of the prosecution.
In a three-page minute resolution, the anti-graft court’s Fifth Division, which is trying Estrada and four others for plunder and graft in connection with an alleged kickback scheme in flood control projects, allowed the senator to undergo a knee X-ray at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan on Aug. 26.
“He shall be accompanied by appropriate security escorts for the said procedure. All hospital bills, medical fees, transportation and incidental expenses shall be borne exclusively by accused Estrada,” the court said.
“Aside from the security escorts, accused Estrada shall be strictly accompanied by his immediate family, legal counsel and attending medical personnel only. Photography, video recording and any social media postings regarding the accused’s procedure are strictly prohibited,” it added.
The tribunal also directed Estrada to return immediately to the New Quezon City Jail no later than 3 p.m. on the same date.
Prior to his detention, Estrada had been suffering from joint effusion in his knee joints and intermittent pain in both knees.
He was previously diagnosed with osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that affects his mobility, the court said.
The Sandiganbayan said the lawmaker has of late been experiencing a flare-up of persistent pain in both knees, making it acutely difficult for him to walk.
His condition was relayed by his wife to his orthopedic doctor, Dr. Jose Fernando Syquia, who recommended that Estrada undergo an X-ray procedure to determine whether his illness has worsened.
The prosecution opposed the procedure, urging the court to consider allowing a portable X-ray machine or mobile X-ray clinics to be brought to the jail.
