Jinggoy gets furlough for shoulder checkup

MANILA, Philippines - Despite opposition from ombudsman lawyers, the Sandiganbayan yesterday granted detained Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s request to undergo a medical checkup at the Cardinal Santos Memorial Hospital.

Estrada was allowed to undergo a medical examination for pain in his left shoulder from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The senator was ordered to shoulder the expenses incurred by the Philippine National Police in  escorting him.

He was barred from giving media interviews.

In a pleading filed Monday with the anti-graft court’s Fifth Division, Estrada’s lawyers said his condition could require surgery called arthroscopy to remove calcium deposits.

“After taking into account the arguments of both parties and for humanitarian considerations, the court resolves to grant accused-movant’s prayer over the objection of the prosecution,” the Sandiganbayan said.

Estrada was ordered to submit a medical certificate within five days.