Let Enrile go home, lawyer urges court

Sen. Juan Ponce-Enrile. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Lawyer Estelito Mendoza, counsel for Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, said compared to a stay in the hospital, a house arrest would be more helpful to his 90-year old client.

While they have no motion for house arrest, Mendoza said in open court that based on experience, it is best to stay home and rest.

“Based on experience, after having a quadruple bypass, my doctors told me ‘umuwi na kayo, mas madali magpagaling sa bahay’,” Mendoza said.

“I also suffer stress especially when my motions are denied,” Mendoza said but added that all the pressures of work go away once he arrives home.

Mendoza added that Enrile has not been convicted of any crime. The purpose of his detention was simply to make sure that he will be able to face trial.

“After what you have just heard, do you think he is capable of escaping,” Mendoza asked.

Dr. Jose Gonzales, medical director of the Philippine General Hospital, said Enrile has erratic heart rate which makes him prone to heart failure and stroke.

He said Enrile is currently taking 22 medications, mostly for his cardiac condition.

“He has a problem, as far as ambulation is concerned,” Gonzales said meaning travel would be difficult for the 90 year old senator.

Enrile’s camp currently has a motion for hospital arrest. The Sandiganbayan has submitted the case for resolution.

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