Jimenez cites poor health in bail petition

Manila Congressman-elect Mark Jimenez has warned the Manila court trying his extradition case that he could suffer a heart attack anytime, using this as the basis for his petition to seek temporary liberty while disputing criminal charges filed by the US.

The petition for bail will be decided by Manila Trial Court Judge Guillermo Puruganan, who received the justice department’s petition for the issuance of an a arrest warrant last month. Prosecutors said extraditees are usually denied bail, meaning they will have to be detained until the case is resolved.

In his final position paper, Jimenez said his health could deteriorate if he was detained. His lawyer presented to the court a medical certificate from Dr. Roberto Anastacio, chief of the cardiology division of the University of Sto. Tomas Hospital.

"Mr. Jimenez’s medical history definitely gives us a condition of instability in relation to his heart... the risk of a sudden heart attack is especially high since he is a known diabetic with hypertension and a heavy smoker," the lawyer said. – Jose Aravilla