Docs to prove in court Leviste is sick - lawyers

Former Batangas Gov. Jose Antonio Leviste is set to present three of his doctors Monday before the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) to prove that he is indeed sick, his lawyers said Sunday. Makati RTC Branch 150 Judge Elmo Alameda, who earlier ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a separate medical examination on Leviste, has set at 8:30 am the hearing on the former governor’s motion to extend his stay and medical treatment at the Makati Medical Center. Leviste was charged with murdering his long-time business associate Rafael Delas Alas on January 12. Lawyer Manuel Singson, Leviste’s lead counsel, said they are presenting three doctors led by Dr. Reynato Kasilag. Kasilag had issued a medical certification that he has diagnosed Leviste as still at risk for another “transient ischematic attack" or mini-stroke. “Due to his detention at the Makati City Jail and the trauma and depression he is experiencing as a result thereof, accused has been suffering from hypertension, palpitation, as well as high and low blood pressure, for which he has been taking medication," Singson said in his motion. He said Leviste would need “a more extensive medical examination for the treatment of his condition." Leviste’s continued stay at the Makati Medical Center was opposed by Senior State Prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco during the hearing last week, saying that Leviste was merely “feigning sickness." This prompted Alameda to order the NBI to send a team of medico legal officers to conduct a separate medical examination on Leviste to determine the latter’s true state of health. - GMANews.TV