Sandigan OKs Atong Ang’s checkup

Businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang, a co-accused of ousted President Joseph Estrada in his plunder case, was allowed by the Sandiganbayan to leave the Metro Manila District Jail in Bicutan, Taguig on Monday to undergo a medical checkup at a hospital in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

In its order yesterday, the anti-graft court’s special division said Ang can leave his detention cell at 7 a.m. for the Metropolitan Hospital in Sta. Cruz, Manila for a diagnostic checkup.

He must be in his cell by 5 p.m. on the same day.

Dr. Ruben Gaw Ki, Ang’s physician was required to submit to court the results of his patient’s checkup by Wednesday.

The special division granted Ang’s petition to undergo checkup after hearing Ki’s testimony in open court yesterday.

Ki told the court that Ang is suffering from persistent "pedal edema" on both legs, and an uncontrolled hypertension in spite of medication.

Based on Ang’s medical history, his condition can be related to a deteriorating kidney problem, he added.

Ang needs immediate medical attention before his health condition worsens, Ki said.

Ang has been detained at the MMDJ since his extradition from the United States last November.

Last January, Ang surprised Estrada’s lawyers when he entered into a plea bargaining agreement with the government.

In his plea bargain offer, Ang pleaded guilty to the lesser offense of corruption of public officials in relation to indirect bribery. – Mike Frialde