Enrile had ‘sufficient, restful sleep’ at PNP General Hospital

Senator Juan Ponce Enrile at Camp Crame on the way to the PNP Hospital. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines— The oldest senator in Philippine history who is now in detention for alleged plunder and graft raps claimed on Tuesday morning he had a “sufficient and restful sleep.”

Senator Juan Ponce Enrile remains under temporary confinement at PNP General Hospital pending an order of the Sandiganbayan, said Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, chief of the PNP Public Information Office, on Tuesday.

The clarification comes after speculation arose that Enrile had already been detained at the facility.

Enrile added he was able to complete his morning exercise routine, and ate the breakfast that was served to him by the hospital with “fair appetite.”

The 90-year-old senator was arrested last Friday after the Sandiganbayan third division found probable cause to hold him on trial for his alleged involvement in the “pork barrel” scam. Enrile, along with his co-accused, face a series of plunder and graft charges for their alleged years-long amassment of ill-gotten wealth.

After the arrest warrant was issued, a number of Enrile’s fellow senators rallied behind him, appealing to the court to take both his advanced age and medical ailments into consideration when making a decision as to where he should be detained. Such pleas for compassion included suggestions that the senator be granted either house/hospital arrest or bail due to his fragile state.

Enrile is currently being kept for observation of his medical condition at PNP General Hospital. His health appears to be fluctuating, but as of 9:40 am on Tuesday his blood pressure was 135/60 and his pulse rate was 61 beats per minute. A series of 2D echo tests scheduled for 8.30 am has also been moved to 6 pm in order to avoid disrupting the care of others seeking medical attention at the hospital.

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