The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has granted detained Senator Jinggoy Estrada temporary leave from the New Quezon City Jail on Wednesday, August 26, to undergo a knee X-ray at Cardinal Santos Medical Center.
Under the anti-graft court’s resolution released Monday, Estrada is permitted to leave his detention facility at 11 a.m. and undergo the medical procedure at the private hospital at 1 p.m. He is ordered to return to the New Quezon City Jail immediately after completing the examination, with a strict deadline set for 3 p.m. the same day.
Estrada, who is currently facing plunder and graft charges in connection with the alleged flood control controversy, will shoulder all financial expenses associated with the medical visit, including hospital bills, medical fees, transportation and other incidental costs.
The anti-graft court specified that Estrada must be accompanied by security escorts throughout the duration of his temporary release. To maintain security, the tribunal restricted the individuals allowed to accompany the senator to his immediate family, legal counsel, assigned security escorts, and attending medical personnel.
The Sandiganbayan strictly prohibited taking photographs or videos of Estrada during his medical furlough, as well as posting any updates regarding his examination on social media platforms.
New Quezon City Jail Superintendent Maria Lourdes Pacion was directed to submit a comprehensive compliance report to the Sandiganbayan within three days of Estrada’s return to detention. A copy of the report must also be furnished to the prosecution.