Jinggoy allowed to undergo therapy at Cardinal Santos

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan has granted the request of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada to be allowed to undergo therapy sessions at the Cardinal Santos Memorial Hospital in Greenhills, San Juan for his mild cervical spondylosis or arthritis of the neck.

Estrada will be brought to the hospital today for his first therapy session.

In a two-page ruling, the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division said it is allowing Estrada to undergo therapy sessions for two hours a day, twice a week, for two weeks.

“After due consideration of both oral and written arguments of the parties, and for humanitarian reason, the court resolves to grant accused-movant’s prayer over the objection of the prosecution,” the anti-graft court said.

Magistrates headed by Fifth Division chairman Roland Jurado said Estrada is allowed to leave the Philippine National Police (PNP) custodial center and proceed to the physical therapy department of the Cardinal Santos Memorial Hospital until the first week of December.

The Sandiganbayan said its sheriffs and the PNP would provide security to Estrada, who may leave his detention facility not earlier than 8 a.m.  and stay at the hospital not later than 11 a.m.

Estrada, accused of involvement in the pork barrel fund scam for which he is on trial for plunder, will not be allowed to go anywhere else. His and his companion’s use of communications and electronic devices will be under police supervision.

The Sandiganbayan said media interviews are not allowed, adding that all expenses to be incurred by the PNP outside Camp Crame would be paid by the senator.

Estrada’s lawyers said their client would need access to a hydrocollator, an ultrasound machine, equipment for transcutaneous nerve stimulations (TENS) and equipment for cervical traction up to 40 pounds.

Defense counsels led by Jose Flaminiano, quoting doctor Tyrone Reyes, said the therapy is needed since a recent magnetic resonance imaging procedure revealed that Estrada has mild bulging on the cervical spine and adhesive capsulitis.