Sandiganbayan to court doctor: Check health of state witness in flood control mess

The Sandiganbayan Third Division on Wednesday ordered the anti-graft court’s resident doctor to verify the health condition of state witness and former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo. 

This was after Bernardo, thru government prosecutors, asked to be excused from testifying before the anti-graft court on the scheduled bail petition hearing of ex-Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla and other respondents on Thursday, April 23. 

This is in connection with the malversation case he is facing over an alleged P92.8 million ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan. 

Bernardo cited acute bronchitis, among other illnesses, in asking to be excused from tomorrow’s bail hearing.

“Notwithstanding the submission of said medical certificate, the court finds it imperative to verify the veracity and gravity of Usec. Bernardo’s condition, and to determine whether his illness is of such a serious nature as to physically incapacitate him from testifying under oath as scheduled,” the Sandiganbayan said. 

“Accordingly, Dr. Warlin Basuel, Medical Officer IV of the Sandiganbayan, is hereby directed, accompanied by a sheriff of this court, to conduct an immediate ex parte verification at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center of [former] Usec. Roberto Bernardo’s actual confinement, his claimed medical condition and its gravity, and his capacity to testify under oath,” the anti-graft court added. 

Basuel was ordered to submit a written report of his findings to the Sandiganbayan today, April 22.  

Earlier, government prosecutor Ma. Cristina Marallag-Batacan informed the anti-graft court that Bernardo will be unable to testify in the April 23 bail hearing.

This is because he is currently being treated at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center for chronic rhinosinusitis, follicular pharyngitis, and acute bronchitis.  

His attending physician advised bed rest for Bernardo for five days, the prosecutor said. 

“Should the court find the excuse unjustified or the illness feigned, it shall issue the appropriate compulsory processes under the Rules of Court, including, but not limited to, the issuance of a warrant of arrest, without prejudice to the witness’ citation for indirect contempt,” the Sandiganbayan said. 

A copy of the anti-graft court’s order was furnished to Bernardo, the prosecution, defense, his attending physician, and the concerned hospital. — JMA, GMA News