The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division approved a motion allowing detained Senator Jinggoy Estrada to undergo a medical evaluation for his knees, dismissing objections raised by state prosecutors.
In a three-page minute resolution, the anti-graft court handling the plunder and graft charges against Estrada and four co-accused regarding a flood control kickback scheme granted permission for the senator to undergo a knee X-ray at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City on August 26.
The court stipulated clear conditions regarding security and funding for the temporary leave:
“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 resolution read.
“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,” the court added.
The tribunal mandated that Estrada must be escorted back to his detention facility at the New Quezon City Jail immediately following the examination, setting a strict deadline of no later than 3:00 p.m. on the same day.
Prior to his arrest, the lawmaker suffered from joint effusion alongside recurring knee pain caused by osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition severely affecting his mobility. The court recognized that a recent flare-up caused persistent pain in both knees, hindering his ability to walk.
After Estrada’s wife notified his orthopedic specialist, Dr. Jose Fernando Syquia, the physician advised an X-ray to check for further deterioration.
Prosecutors previously challenged the motion, suggesting that the court utilize mobile X-ray facilities or bring portable units directly to the detention site instead of authorizing a hospital visit.