Sandigan OKs hospital stay for GMA co-accused

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan has allowed a government official, accused with plunder along with former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to undergo a medical procedure at a hospital tomorrow.

The anti-graft court permitted former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board member Benigno Aguas to undergo a cardiopulmonary/endocrine clearance at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City.

The court allowed Aguas who was also the PCSO’s former budget and accounts manager, to go to the hospital after his lawyers explained that doctors have required him to undergo the procedure to ensure that he has a good heart condition before he can undergo eye surgery.

According to his lawyers, Aguas – who underwent a check-up in the hospital in the second week of March – was diagnosed with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment of the left eye.

His doctors said it was necessary for Aguas to undergo an operation on his left eye called pars plana vitrectomy with scleral buckling with gas or silicone oil injection.

The graft court directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to coordinate with the Sandiganbayan sheriffs to providing police escorts for Aguas’ hospital visit.

The tribunal said Aguas will shoulder all expenses that will be incurred by the PNP in securing him.

The court also forbid the media from conducting any interviews. Communications and electronic gadgets of the accused and his companions should be under the control and supervision of the police escorts.

Aguas, who is detained in the PNP Custodial Center at Camp Crame, is among those accused of diverting more than P360 million from the PCSO’s confidential and intelligence funds from 2008 to 2010.