Jinggoy asks court to leave detention to undergo tests for knee pain

Former Senator Jinggoy Estrada has filed an urgent motion at the Sandiganbayan to undergo medical examinations "as soon as possible" due to pain in his left knee.

In his motion received by the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division on Friday, the detained former senator is seeking permission to have his knee undergo a Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray tests at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City.

The same motion said Estrada is suffering from patellofemoral pain syndrome based on medical examinations by his doctor at the PNP Custodial Center.

"On December 30, 2016, accused was seen by Dr. Jose Syquia at accused's place of detention at the PNP Custodial Center due to complaints of pain on his left knee which is worse when rising from a seated position. Upon examination, accused was noted to have patellofemoral pain syndrome," the motion said, adding medications seem to be ineffective for Estrada.

"The same pain is still currently felt despite rest and medications. As recommended by Doctor Syquia, if there be no improvement, accused should undergo X-Ray and MRI of his left knee in order to further evaluate his condition," it said.

Estrada, who is facing plunder charges in connection with the multi-million pork barrel scam, is currently detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame.

The motion noted Estrada was previously allowed to undergo therapy sessions at the same hospital due to his frozen shoulder, saying his current condition requires immediate medical attention.

"Considering accused's health issues, there is need for him to undergo immediate X-Ray and MRI of his left knee as recommended by Dr. Syquia," Estrada's lawyers said. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/ALG, GMA News