Sandiganbayan allows Jinggoy to have knee X-ray in private hospital

The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has allowed detained Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who is facing plunder and graft charges over the flood control controversy, to undergo X-ray for his knee at a private hospital and on the lawmaker’s own expense.

In a resolution made public on Monday, the anti-graft court said Estrada has been allowed to leave the New Quezon City jail at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26, to have his knee X-ray in Cardinal Santos Medical Center at 1 p.m.

The Sandiganbayan also said in the same resolution that Estrada should return to New Quezon City Jail by 3 p.m. of the same day “upon completion of the necessary medical procedure.”

“He shall be accompanied by appropriate security escorts for the said procedure [and] all hospital bills, medical fees, transportation, and incidental expenses shall be borne exclusively by accused Estrada,” the Sandiganbayan said.

“Aside from the security escorts, accused Estrada shall be strictly accompanied by his immediate family, legal counsel, and attending medical personnel only,” it added.

Likewise, the anti-graft court said photography, video recording, and any social media postings regarding the accused's procedure are strictly prohibited.

Further, New Quezon City Jail Superintendent Maria Lourdes Pacion has also been ordered by the Sandiganbayan to submit comprehensive compliance report, copy furnished the prosecution, not later than three days after the Estrada’s return to detention. — RSJ, GMA News