Sandigan OKs mammography for GMA

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan has granted the request of Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to undergo a mammogram at the Makati Medical Center (MMC) on Friday.

The anti-graft court’s First Division chaired by Associate Justice Efren de la Cruz approved Arroyo’s motion after ombudsman lawyers did not pose any objection.

In a two-page order, the Sandiganbayan directed Arroyo to follow the usual conditions, including shouldering the expenses to be incurred for the procedure.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) was instructed to coordinate with the anti-graft court’s sheriffs to provide personal escorts and security measures for the former president.

Arroyo is allowed to leave the Veterans Memorial Medical Center at noon of Dec. 18, and to immediately return to the hospital after the procedure.

The Sandiganbayan said the use of communications and electronic devices shall be under control of the PNP. No media interviews will be allowed, it added.

Arroyo, in detention while undergoing trial for plunder, asked permission to undergo mammogram at the MMC, noting that it has been more than two years since she had the medical examination.

“She needs to undergo a follow-up mammogram as she has a high risk of developing breast cancer because her mother had breast cancer,” her lawyers said in their petition.

Arroyo’s personal doctor Theresa Lopez, who advised the former president to undergo a mammogram at least yearly, will conduct the test.