De Lima suffers apparent mild stroke, gets furlough

Detained Senator Leila de Lima appeared to have suffered from mild stroke according to her doctor and was allowed by two Muntinlupa courts to seek medical attention.

In separate orders, the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branches 205 and 256 granted a "very urgent motion" from the lawmaker's camp requesting a medical furlough and confinement after she experienced bouts of headache and persistent generalized weakness, symptoms she's been experiencing since April 20.

The senator's camp said an examination by her on-call doctor "left an impression that Accused De Lima experienced a Transient Ischemic Attack (mild stroke), hence the urgent and extremely important need to rule out a cerebrovascular accident."

Her camp said De Lima needed to get a Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with contrast at the Manila Doctor's Hospital, where she had been admitted during her previous medical furlough last February 11.

“Premises considered, and finding the very urgent medical furlough to be meritorious, the same is hereby granted for humanitarian and health reasons,” Presiding Judge Liezel Aquiatan of Branch 205 said.

The court said lawyers or representatives and family members of De Lima are prohibited from giving interviews during this time.

De Lima assured the court that she will not prolong her stay at the hospital than what is necessary, adding that she will render regular medical reports on her condition.

According to the senator, she and those who will accompany her will also observe health protocols and that she will shoulder the costs of the medical furlough.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police have been directed to provide adequate security for the senator. -MDM, GMA News