Revilla complains of swollen heels, seeks therapy

MANILA, Philippines – Being detained for plunder may have gotten into “Panday’s” Achilles’ heel.

The lawmaker charged with corruption over the pork barrel scam filed an urgent motion before the Sandiganbayan for medical examination and treatment of his heels, which he said are suffering intense pain.

Revilla said he was diagnosed on Feb. 6 at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital with “Insertional Achilles Tendonitis B,” a degeneration of the fibers in the Achilles tendon, and “Herniated Nucleus Pulposus” of the lumbar region, a condition which causes pain on the neck and back.

“Unless proper medical attention is given to Senator Revilla, his condition may only aggravate. There is therefore a need for him to undergo a more extensive medical examination and treatment as soon as possible to address his medical conditions, so as to prevent further complications,” the motion read.

Revilla asked the court to allow him an X-ray of his feet and physical therapy two to three times week for two weeks at the PNP General Hospital.

Known for his roles as “Panday,” Revilla is detained for plunder and graft charges for allegedly pilfering millions in kickbacks from his Priority Development Assistance Funds under the scheme of Janet Lim-Napoles. Also detained for plunder are Napoles, and Senators Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada and Juan Ponce Enrile.