MANILA, Philippines - After Chief Justice Renato Corona was brought to hospital for hypoglycemia, it wasn’t long before one of his lawyers also faced health issues.
Defense panel spokesperson Karen Jimeno skipped yesterday’s impeachment proceedings after she was rushed to a hospital due to an infected and swollen kidney.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Jimeno said she had not been feeling well since Wednesday night. She was brought to the emergency room of St. Luke’s Medical Center by her husband.
“I have been confined since yesterday (May 24). I asked my doctors yesterday to discharge me today (May 25) but they refused. I’ve been trying my best to (get out of the hospital),” Jimeno said.
In a separate interview with dzRH, Jimeno said she has infections that require medication and would undergo laboratory tests.
Jimeno, the only female member of the defense panel, said she was on an intravenous or IV line.
Defense panel spokesperson Tranquil Salvador III believes Jimeno suffered from over fatigue.
“I wish her well, (I hope she is) safe,” said prosecution spokesperson Marikina Rep. Romero Quimbo.
Despite her illness, Jimeno continued to monitor the impeachment proceedings and even managed to post updates on her Twitter account (@kojimeno).
“Thank you so much to all who wished me well. I’ll be keeping tabs on the impeachment trial from the hospital,” she said, and even thanked deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte who had advised her to ignore Twitter users who believe she is just pretending to be ill.
“Thanks Abi! We might not be on the same side on this impeachment issue but I have much respect for you. God bless!” Jimeno told Valte via Twitter.
Also absent during yesterday’s proceedings was defense lawyer Jose Roy III who reportedly had a prior commitment.