GMA needs mammogram

MANILA, Philippines - Detained Pampanga congresswoman and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is asking the Sandiganbayan to allow her to undergo a mammogram procedure at the Makati Medical Center next week.

Her lawyers said the former president, who is under hospital arrest and confinement at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) for plunder, last underwent a digital mammogram in August 2012.

“She needs to undergo a follow-up mammogram as she has a high risk of developing breast cancer because her mother had breast cancer,” Arroyo’s three-page motion submitted to the Sandiganbayan First Division explained.

“Dr. Theresa Lopez, her personal physician for 15 years, has advised her to undergo a mammogram at least yearly,” her motion read.

Arroyo’s defense counsels noted that the VMMC does not have the equipment to perform a conclusive mammogram. She intends to have her mammogram at 2 p.m. on Dec. 18.

Since the procedure is expected to take at least two hours to complete, her lawyers are asking the anti-graft court to let the former president leave hospital detention at noon.

Arroyo is on trial for alleged misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) confidential and intelligence funds.

Her lawyers have asked the Sandiganbayan to junk the charges, saying the prosecution failed to prove its case that there was not even a need for her to present defense witnesses anymore.