Sandiganbayan allows Gigi Reyes to undergo tooth extraction

The Sandiganbayan Third Division has granted the request of Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes, an accused in the alleged pork barrel scam, to temporarily leave her detention to have her molar tooth extracted.

 

In a six-page resolution promulgated on November 4, a copy of which was released to the media on Thursday, Reyes was allowed by the court to undergo extraction of her upper right molar at the clinic of her private dentist Dr. Gary Brillo, located at the ground floor of The Infinity condominium tower at 26th Street in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

 

Further, the court allowed Reyes to undergo tooth implantation right after the extraction procedure

 

In its ruling, the court did not specify the date when Reyes should undergo the procedures, but upon clarification with the Third Division, clerk of court Dennis Pulma said it means that Reyes’ camp is at the liberty of choosing the date to undergo the procedures, depending on the availability of her dentist.

 

Pulma, however, clarified that the procedures should be done in just one day.

 

In granting Reyes’ request, the court took consideration of the testimony of Senior Inspector Analiza Cabras, a resident dentist at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Female Dormitory in Taguig City where Reyes is currently detained for plunder and graft charges in connection with her alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam.

 

In her testimony before the court late last month, Cabras confirmed that there was a need for Reyes to have her molar extracted as it was already “mobile” and that the patient was already complaining severe pain. Cabras further said that extraction is recommended to prevent further infection and gum recession.

 

Cabras also admitted that tooth implant in the area of extraction is better for the patient than as it is stronger than a removable dental fixture more commonly referred as “false tooth.”

 

“Accordingly, accused Jessica Lucila G. Reyes is allowed to be brought to Dr. Gary V. Brillo’s clinic…to undergo tooth extraction and dental implant at her own expense. However, she must be brought back to Camp Bagong Diwa on the same day immediately after the said dental procedures,” the Third Division said in its ruling.

 

The court also directed the Brillo and Cabras to submit to the court their respective medical reports within five days after the procedures were done on Reyes.

 

The BJMP meanwhile, was directed to provide the necessary security measures during Reyes’ transportation to and from the dental clinic. — RSJ, GMA News