Revilla sets medical checkup even without Sandigan nod

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan has yet to decide on his motion to be allowed to undergo a medical checkup, but detained Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. has already set a date for it.

In a manifestation to the anti-graft court’s First Division yesterday, Revilla asked permission to undergo medical examination at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City on Nov. 17, citing a medical certificate issued by his attending physician.

Ma. Cristina Macrohon-Valdez said Revilla is “complaining of cough and colds associated with generalized body malaise for one week duration on top of recurrent migraine headaches.”

“I therefore recommend a full medical work-up and consultation with other respective specialists as soon as possible to address his current medical illness, so as to prevent further complications,” Valdez, a neurology and stroke specialist, said.

Ombudsman prosecutors are opposing Revilla’s request for a medical checkup.

Claiming innocence of allegations that he pocketed millions of so-called pork barrel funds, the senator is asking the Sandiganbayan to grant him bail while undergoing trial for plunder.