By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Authorities have yet to receive a commitment order from the Sandiganbayan for the detained senator, who remains under medical observation at the Philippine National Police General Hospital while undergoing a series of examinations.
According to the authorities, the senator continues to be under the custody of the police hospital, and no transfer or detention procedures can proceed until medical specialists complete their assessment of his condition.
They said the findings of the hospital’s medical team will be formally relayed to the Sandiganbayan, which will determine the next legal steps based on the senator’s health status.
The senator was admitted to the police hospital after reportedly suffering chest pains and elevated blood pressure shortly after arriving at Camp Crame following the implementation of an arrest warrant.
Authorities said the 72-year-old lawmaker is expected to remain under observation for at least two days while doctors conduct diagnostic tests to determine whether he is medically fit for transfer or detention.
The commitment order from the Sandiganbayan is expected to be enforced once hospital authorities certify that the senator’s condition allows him to be discharged from medical care.
ia/xf
