Jinggoy gets furlough for knee X-ray

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has allowed detained senator Jinggoy Estrada to undergo a knee X-ray procedure tomorrow at a private hospital in San Juan.

Estrada has asked the anti-graft court’s Fifth Division for a medical leave to undergo the procedure to address a flare-up of “persistent pain in both knees.”

Estrada is being held at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas on plunder charges over his alleged involvement in the flood control scandal.

In his motion for leave, Estrada pointed out that he was previously diagnosed with osteoarthritis.

Estrada said he has been suffering from joint effusion in his knee joints as well as intermittent pain in both knees, making it difficult for him to walk.

He said his orthopedic doctor has recommended that he undergo an X-ray procedure on both knees, which he said would take around 15 to 30 minutes to complete, to determine whether his illness has worsened.

The prosecution argued that Estrada’s medical condition was not based on a direct clinical assessment or independently verified medical findings.

State prosecutors also suggested alternative options, including the use of mobile X-ray clinics at the jail facility or government-run medical facilities.

The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division, chaired by Associate Justice Zaldy Trespeses, granted Estrada’s motion, subject to conditions.

The anti-graft court said Estrada should leave the detention facility at 11 a.m. on Aug. 26 and must be returned by 3 p.m. on the same day.

All hospital bills, transportation and incidental expenses must be shouldered by the senator, the court said.