Senator Jinggoy Estrada arrives at the Sandiganbayan in Quezon City on Monday, June 30, for his arraignment over the plunder charges filed against him and businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles in connection with the alleged P10-B pork barrel scam. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Citing his diabetes and a bullet lodged in his spine, former APEC party-list Rep. Edgar Valdez on Wednesday asked to be detained at the PNP-Custodial Center instead of a regular jail, noting its proximity to a hospital.
“It is most respectfully prayed for of the Honorable Court to order his detention at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City, while the above captioned case against him is being heard,” said Valdez in his motion to the Sandiganbayan.
Valdez was among the second batch of lawmakers charged earlier this month by the Office of the Ombudsman for their alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam.
Three senators also charged in connection with the pork barrel scam are currently detained in Camp Crame — Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. at the PNP Custodial Center, and Juan Ponce Enrile, who is 91 years old, at the PNP General Hospital.
In his Urgent Ex-Parte motion, Valdez, who surrendered to the sheriff of the Sandiganbayan on Wednesday, said he needs easy access to a hospital for regular monitoring of his health.
He chose the PNP Custodial Center because of its proximity to the PNP General Hospital, which is also in Camp Crame. He said this will make it easier for him to undergo medical checkups.
“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.
Pending resolution of the motion, Valdez’s lawyer said he will be temporarily detained at the Sandiganbayan.
Aside from Valdez, the other lawmakers charged before the Sandiganbayan were former Masbate Rep. and incumbent Masbate Governor Rizalina Seachon-Lanete, former Benguet Rep. Samuel Dangwa, former Cagayan de Oro Rep. Constantino Jaraula and former Agusan del Sur Rep. Rodolfo Plaza.
Lanete, who is also facing plunder and graft charges, has surrendered to the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group last week after the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division issued an arrest order against her and her 31 other co-accused.
She is currently detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Female Dormitory in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig together with alleged scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles after her bid to be detained at the PNP Custodial Center was denied. (MNS)