Atong seeks medical leave

Lawyers of businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang the other day asked the Sandiganbayan to allow him to undergo medical check-ups, work-ups and treatment at the Metropolitan Medical Center (MMC) in Manila because Ang complained of chest pains.

In a five-page motion filed before the Sandiganbayan Special Division on April 11, Ang’s legal team led by Alfredo Villamor and Ruth Castelo said that from Ang’s last medical examination on March 9 at the MMC, it was found that he has hypertension that may be essential or secondary to nephrosclerosis.

His attending physician, Dr. Ruben Gaw Ki said Ang’s condition will be re-evaluated after four weeks and will be closely monitored.

After Ang complained of chest pains, Gaw Ki visited him on April 10 at Camp Bagong Diwa, where Ang is detained, and found that Ang’s chest pains may be secondary to angina pectoris and cardiac in origin.

Doctors have described Ang’s condition as one where he suffers temporary bouts of chest pains caused by the thinning of his arteries and added that this may lead to a heart attack if Ang’s blood pressure shoots up.

This condition can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle and medicines, the doctors said.

Gaw Ki also found that Ang’s blood pressure could not be controlled adequately since his last check-up four weeks ago, despite the medications given to him.

"(Gaw Ki) therefore requests this Honorable Court to allow accused Ang to be taken to the hospital for immediate medical attention," the lawyers said in their motion.

Gaw Ki’s letter to the Sandiganbayan Special Division was attached to the motion filed by Ang’s lawyers.

The lawyers also asked that Ang be taken immediately to the MMC, preferably on April 16 or at the earliest date the court will allow.

Ang was convicted by the Sandiganbayan for the lesser offense of indirect bribery in relation to the corruption of public officials. He was sentenced to a maximum of six years’ imprisonment.

Ang entered into a plea-bargain agreement with the government in exchange for the dropping of the plunder charge against him. If convicted of plunder, Ang would have received a life sentence.

He is now petitioning for probation and a reduction of the sentence since he had served five years in jail after his arrest in the United States.

The Sandiganbayan is set to hear Ang’s motion for medical treament today.

Meanwhile, the court will also hear today former President Joseph Estrada’s motion seeking that he be allowed to celebrate his 70th birthday on April 19 in his home at No. 1 Polk St., North Greenhills, San Juan. – Evelyn Macairan