Jinggoy Estrada seeks court nod for knee examination

Former Sen. Jinggoy Estrada. FILE PHOTO

Detained former Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada has sought the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division’s permission to undergo medical tests for his aching left knee.

In a two-page urgent motion on Friday, Estrada asked to leave his detention cell for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray tests at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City.

He asked permission to go through the tests “as soon as possible,” and volunteered to shoulder the expenses for the escort and security requirements.

The motion stated that after Estrada complained of pain that worsens “when rising from a seated position,” he was examined by Dr. Jose Syquia on Dec. 30 at the Philippine National Police detention facility in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Syquia noted that Estrada has patellofemoral pain syndrome. The doctor recommended that the politician’s left knee be examined if there is no improvement.

Estrada’s camp told the court that “the same pain is still currently felt despite rest and medication.”

“Considering accused’s health issues, there is need for him to undergo immediate X-ray and MRI of his left knee as recommended by Dr. Syquia,” the motion read.

Estrada’s camp also recalled that the court allowed him to undergo therapy sessions for his frozen shoulder at CSMC on several occasions in the past.

The Fifth Division is set to hear his request on Monday

Estrada faces a plunder case for allegedly receiving P183.8 million in kickbacks in exchange for diverting his Priority Development Assistance Fund allocations to fake foundations allegedly controlled by businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles. The actor-politician also faces 11 counts of violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. JE/rga