Revilla wants check-up for migraine, weak liver

Senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/RAFFY LERMA

MANILA, Philippines — It’s suspended Senator Ramon Revilla Jr.’s turn to ask the Sandiganbayan for a hospital trip, this time for his persistent migraine and a “weak” liver.

Revilla, who was at the anti-graft court on Thursday for his bail hearing for plunder in connection with the pork barrel scam, assured that he still remained strong in health and he has continued to work out even while in detention.

“I am still able to do workouts — muay thai, shadow boxing, speed ball. It’s just that I’m having migraine attacks. I’m not complaining though,” said Revilla, who is celebrating his 48th birthday Thursday.

Though Revilla’s camp has yet to file a motion for a medical check-up, the court had granted the requests of two other pork scam accused for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the hospital — Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada for his shoulder pains and Senator Juan Ponce Enrile’s resigned chief of staff, Atty. Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes, for her facial spasms, which she got after hitting her head on a wall during a panic attack.

Revilla said he also hoped to have an MRI for his migraine.

“The doctor said I may have an MRI. But I’m still strong. Panday is strong,” said Revilla, known for his role “Panday” in various action movies.

Revilla’s wife Cavite Representative Lani Mercado, who also attended the hearing, said Revilla’s migraine may have been caused by the unpredictable weather.

“He’s having migraine attacks often. Extreme heat, then rain. It really has something to do with the weather,” Mercado said, adding that her husband has had four migraine attacks in the past four months.

“I’m a bit worried,” Revilla’s wife added.

She said they would probably ask the court for permission to have an MRI, as well as an executive check-up for his weak liver.

“He has a weak liver because of the constant painkillers he’s been drinking and the injection,” Mercado said.

Revilla faces plunder and graft charges for his alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam, the purported diversion of senators’ Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) to ghost projects for kickbacks. He is detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center.

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