Ombudsman wants Jinggoy medical checkup at PNP hospital

MANILA, Philippines - Ombudsman prosecutors yesterday asked the Sandiganbayan to allow Sen. Jinggoy Estrada to have his medical examinations at the Philippine National Police General Hospital (PNPGH) at Camp Crame.

Government lawyers told the anti-graft court’s Fifth Division that allowing the detained lawmaker to have his heart and gastrointestinal tract tests done at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) in Greenhills, San Juan would amount to special treatment.

Prosecutors stressed they are not against Estrada having his medical checkup. “Nevertheless, it should be pointed out and this honorable court must take notice that there is no showing that the PNP Medical Center is not equipped with medical personnel and facilities necessary for the conduct of the proposed examinations,” the prosecution said.

Ombudsman lawyers said having the medical checkups done at the PNPGH will also mean less expenses and less security and safety concerns, considering the government hospital is inside Camp Crame where the PNP custodial center is located.

Estrada, citing the recommendations of Regina Bagsic of the CSMC, asked the Sandiganbayan to allow him a three-day medical check-up to rule out cardiac or gastrointestinal issues since he has recently been experiencing light-headedness and acid reflux.

Estrada, facing plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan, stressed his need for a complete medical test.

Estrada said his doctor also advised him to consult with a pulmonologist, urologist and ophthalmologist to further check his health condition.