Pasay court allows Abalos to seek treatment sans court order

Former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 117 allowed former Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. to be taken to a hospital without a prior court order in case of emergencies.

In a two-page order dated March 20, Pasay RTC Judge Eugenio dela Cruz set several conditions in granting Abalos’ request.

The following are the conditions set by the court:

1. In case of emergencies (life threatening condition) the Commander of the Southern Police District shall notify the court within four hours after Abalos is brought to the hospital with attachment of medical findings;

2. The hospital where the accused shall be confined or doctor who will treat Abalos, shall not be more than a radius of 10 kilometers from the place of detention of the accused at the Southern Police District;

3. Abalos should be guarded by at least 4 regular members of the SPD every time he will be brought to a hospital or doctor;

4. The hospital where the accused is confined shall submit to the court a medical report every time Abalos is confined or treated;

5. In case of mere routine medical check-up, the SPD chief shall secure the Court’s written order before he is brought to a doctor or hospital and thereafter return to his detention at SPD on the same day before 5pm.

Abalos, 77, asked the court to issue a standing order that in case of emergency, he be allowed to be taken to a hospital outside his detention for immediate medical attention.

His request came after he suffered difficulty of breathing first week of this month and followed by severe toothache. He said he was only given pain reliever.

The former Comelec chairman is experiencing fluctuating blood pressure with levels reaching 170/110, shortness of breath as his oxygen level continues to drop and toothache causing him headaches.

He is facing eleven counts of electoral sabotage before the court.

Originally posted at 12:14 pm | Monday, March 26, 2012