Senator Juan Ponce Enrile. INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines—The Sandiganbayan third division allowed Senator Juan Ponce Enrile to stay at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital pending the decision on his motion for hospital detention.
In a minute resolution released on Thursday, the court ordered Enrile to undergo a medical examination in the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) or any government hospital at the expense of the senator.
The court authorized PGH director Dr. Jose Gonzales to continue with the medical examination on Enrile.
The hospital is then given 30 days to submit a report on the 90-year-old senator’s health.
“Pending the completion of the aforesaid medical examinations and/or procedures and submission of the required report and recommendation, accused Enrile is allowed to remain at the PNP General Hospital subject to the conditions earlier imposed by the Court…” the resolution read.
Dr. Gonzales had sent a written report to the court that Enrile’s following conditions “singly and collectively… pose a significant risk for life-threatening events on Enrile.”
These are:
– uncontrolled hypertension that may lead to brain or heart complications, including a recurrence of stroke
– arryhthmia or irregular heartbeat that may lead to fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular events especially under stress
– coronary calcification which is associated with coronary artery disease which may indicate a future risk of heart attacks under stress
The PGH also said based on their medical evaluation, Enrile is suffering from:
– chronic hypertension dating back as early as 1990
– atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with previous history of cerebrovascular disease and coronary artery calcifications
– arrhythmia or irregular heart beat documented by a Holter monitor
– high blood sugar or diabetes
– high cholesterol levels
– bronchial asthma
– gait or balance disorder
– age-related macular degeneration on both eyes
– past history of upper gastro-internal bleeding
– history of benign prostate hypertrophy
The PGH thus recommend for Enrile further observations with referral to medical specialties and appropriate medical resources to respond to life-threatening events.
The court has yet to decide on Enrile’s motion for hospital arrest. The court said it will wait for the hospital’s report on Enrile’s condition.
Enrile surrendered to the police after his warrant of arrest was issued for his plunder case over the pork barrel scam. But shortly after, he was rushed to the hospital due to his frail health.
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