PGH doctors recommend hospital arrest for Enrile

MANILA, Philippines – Doctors from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) have recommended hospital arrest for Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, who is detained for plunder and graft charges in connection with the multi-billion-peso pork barrel scam.

The doctors, conducted a series of medical examinations on the 90-year-old Enrile, made the recommendation to the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan’s Third Division on Thursday, September 4, which is hearing Enrile’s motion for hospital detention.

The senator is currently confined at the Philippine National Police General Hospital inside Camp Crame due to his health. (READ: Enrile gets to stay at police hospital for now)

Cardiologist Dr. John Añonuevo testified before the 3rd division that Enrile’s heart is becoming weak, with a high probability of contracting a coronary disease.

According to Añonuevo, Enrile is at risk of having a stroke or a heart attack, dzMM reported.

Dr Leonora Fernandez, a pulmonologist, said Enrile is also suffering from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is attributed to his smoking habit. 

The doctors recommended a transfer to a tertiary hospital – either the PGH in Manila or the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City – which have adequate facilities.

Since his detention, Enrile has had check-ups at the Asian Eye Institute in Makati City for his eye condition. He has age-related macular degeneration, which may lead to blindness without regular treatment.

On September 1, the Senate implemented a 90-day suspension order on Enrile. During the period, Enrile cannot perform his duties as senator.

Enrile is facing plunder and graft charges for allegedly allowing his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to fund ghost projects of bogus non-governmental organizations controlled by businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles.

The senator allegedly pocketed P172 million (almost $4 million) in kickbacks from the PDAF scam. – Rappler.com