Doc says Gigi Reyes has psychiatric problems, could be suicidal

Lawyer Gigi Reyes, an accused in the pork barrel scam case, is depressed and may be suicidal, her cardiologist, Dr. Anthony Lontoc, told the Sandiganbayan on Tuesday.

"She has a psychiatric problem. She has anxiety and depression or mixed anxiety disorder. She needs a psychiatrist, and she was also diagnosed as having suicidal tendencies," Lontoc said on the witness stand.

According to Lontoc, mixed anxiety disorder means Reyes cannot cope with stress and "has no tolerance for anxiety."

Despite this, Lontoc said Reyes is fit to be detained at Camp Bagong Diwa. The prosecution asked him to elaborate, but the justices did not allow it.

Reyes, former chief of staff of Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile, is charged with plunder and graft for allegedly helping Enrile pocket millions in public funds. Enrile is also facing the same charges.

Lontoc, as well as doctors from the Philippine Heart Center and officials from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, were subpoenaed to explain why Reyes was moved from the Taguig Pateros District Hospital to the Philippine Heart Center even without court order Friday night.

Lontoc was the physician who ordered Reyes' transfer to the PHC based on a medical emergency.

According to Lontoc, Reyes suffered chest pains and heightened blood pressure despite being given medicines.

He also said that Reyes needs to be under the care of a psychiatrist, who can monitor her.

"It will be best if her care is directed by a psychiatrist, which we don't have. I recommend her gradual transfer, with at least two responsible adults to watch over her, and a dedicated attending doctor and a nurse," Lontoc said. —KBK, GMA News