Abalos thankful for possible medical treatment outside detention

Former Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Former Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos thanked the prosecution for not opposing his bid to seek medical treatment outside of detention.

The Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 117 deferred the action on Abalos’ bid to seek urgent medical treatment and asked the prosecution to comment within 5 days.

But Comelec Law Department head Esmeralda Lagra said they will no longer file a comment on Abalos’ motion to seek emergency treatment outside his detention facility for humanitarian reason.

“I thank the prosecution from their magnanimity that they will no longer oppose our petition for standing order [that I seek medical treatment outside detention] in case of emergency,” Abalos told reporters.

Last Friday, Abalos said he suffered from severe toothache. He said he was suffering from severe gum problem but was only given temporary relief because “the police said they can’t take me to a hospital without court order.”

The other night, Abalos said he had difficulty breathing.

“Good thing it was only caused by spasm,” he said.

The court already submitted the motion for resolution. Judge Eugenio Dela Cruz said he will issue a condition to be followed by Abalos in case he will be taken to a hospital outside his detention facility.