THE Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has granted detained Senator Jinggoy Estrada permission to leave his detention facility to undergo a medical examination, specifically an X-ray for his knee, while facing charges of plunder and graft linked to the flood control controversy.
The court’s ruling, formally disclosed to the public on a Monday, specifies that the lawmaker will bear all costs associated with the procedure personally, emphasizing that the government will incur no expenses on his behalf. This decision balances the accused’s right to necessary medical care with the security protocols and legal constraints governing his detention status.
In its published resolution, the anti-graft court laid out a strict and time-bound schedule for the excursion to ensure oversight and compliance. Estrada is authorized to depart from the New Quezon City Jail at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26, and is expected to arrive at Cardinal Santos Medical Center by 1:00 p.m. to undergo the X-ray. The court has also mandated a firm return deadline, ordering him to be back at the jail facility by 3:00 p.m. the same day immediately after the medical procedure is completed, effectively limiting his time outside prison walls to just four hours.
The Sandiganbayan further established clear conditions for the temporary release, prioritizing security and accountability. It stated explicitly that Estrada must be accompanied by proper security escorts throughout the entire duration of the trip to prevent any unauthorized deviations or risks of flight. Additionally, the court affirmed that all hospital bills, professional medical fees, transportation costs, and any other related or incidental expenses must be shouldered exclusively by the accused himself. These terms reflect the court’s standard practice for temporary medical furloughs, aiming to safeguard public interest and maintain the integrity of the legal process.
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