No bail for JPE but hospital stay extended

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan yesterday denied the motion of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile for bail but has allowed him to stay at the Philippine National Police General Hospital at least for another month.

The anti-graft court’s Third Division said Enrile could undergo further medical tests or examinations at any government hospital but “at his own expense.”

Quoting the rulings, branch clerk of court Dennis Pulma announced that Philippine General Hospital (PGH) director Jose Gonzales, or any of his duly authorized representatives, is being “directed to continue with the medical examination of accused.”

Pulma said the doctors are being instructed to submit a report or recommendation to the Sandiganbayan within 30 days from issue of directive by Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang and Associate Justices Samuel Martires and Alex Quiroz.

“The necessary medical examinations and/or procedures as determined by the said doctors shall be undertaken by the PGH or any government hospital which the medical team may deem to have the appropriate suitable and/or modern equipment or apparatus and competent personnel to undertake the procedures, all at the personal expense of accused,” the Sandiganbayan said.

For the time being, Enrile is allowed to remain at the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame where he has remained confined after his surrender following the Sandiganbayan order for his arrest on charges of graft and plunder.

On the denial of the motion for bail, the anti-graft court merely said it was being denied “for lack of merit.”

The Sandiganbayan has also postponed Enrile’s scheduled arraignment for graft charges today along with his other co-accused that include alleged pork barrel fund scam operator Janet Lim-Napoles.

Pulma, quoting a separate ruling issued by the anti-graft court, said the arraignment of lawyer Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes, co-accused with Enrile for plunder, will proceed at 8:30 a.m.