Valdez, who’s facing plunder charges in connection with his alleged involvement with the pork barrel scam, earlier told the court that he was suffering from several illnesses.
The Sandiganbayan has yet to rule on Valdez’s motion that he be detained at the PNP Custodial Center because of its proximity to a hospital, in apparent reference to the PNP hospital.
“This is without prejudice to the court’s action on his motion re his place of detention,” Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang told GMA News Online in a text message.
Tang signed the transfer order as justices of the Fifth Division, which is handling Valdez’s plunder case, were hearing cases out of town.
Valdez left Sandiganbayan around 9:30 p.m. with police escorts.
He was temporarily detained at the Sandiganbayan before the order to be taken to the PNP hospital.
“On July 8, 2013, Valdez was diagnosed with Lumbosacral Spondylosis with multilevel disk duldge (posterior and intraosseus) and L1-L2 disk space narrowing; foreign body (bullet) embedded in the L2 vertebral body with left lateral wedged shape compression deformity. The condition limits the mobility of Valdez and likewise necessitates regular and immediate medical attention. Should the Honorable Court order his detention at the PNP Custodial Center, Camp Crame, Quezon City, a nearby hospital located within the premises of Camp Crame is readily accessible to Valdez whenever his condition will require medical attention,” Valdez’s motion said.
According to the motion, Valdez’s diabetes also requires regular medical attention.
“Valdez is also suffering from diabetes, which ailment also requires regular medical attention. In the same manner, if the Honorable Court will allow his detention at the PNP Custodial Center, he will have ready access to a hospital for the monitoring of his condition which is on a regular basis,” the motion said. —NB, GMA News
