Sen. Juan Ponce-Enrile. Photo by Marc Jayson Cayabyab
MANILA, Philippines–Despite his health condition, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile attended his arraignment for plunder before the Sandiganbayan clad in an oversized Barong Tagalog with a Holter monitor underneath to keep watch on his heart activity.
Before the trial started, Enrile faced the media, smiled and waved.
Upon the arrival of his lawyer Estelito Mendoza, he showed him the monitor he was wearing which he has to wear for 24 hours.
During the trial, Enrile explained why the Bill of Particulars is important.
“As for the Bill of Particulars, it is important to get the full picture of the charges levelled against this humble accused,” Enrile, a former minister of justice said.
He explained that the rules are important because they are intended to protect the accused.
Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang asked him if he was fit to be arraigned, he said “I am physically fit to be arraigned.”
However, he told the anti-graft court that there were instances when his blood pressure shoots up to 200/100. The doctor from the Philippine National Police (PNP) said sometimes his BP is at 210/90.
Both the PNP doctor and Dr. Eduardo Viola of the Sandiganbayan were ordered to take his blood pressure. The police doctor said it was 160/70 while the Sandiganbayan doctor said it was 150/80. The police doctor said it was safe for the arraignment to push through.
Enrile refused to enter his plea on allegations of plunder. Arraignment on his graft cases have been rescheduled on July 18.
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