The Sandiganbayan has granted detained former Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada’s plea for a 48-hour furlough to undergo videocolonoscopy, after he was found to have elevated levels of carcinoembryonic antigens. Estrada was allowed to undergo the medical procedure at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center from 8 a.m. on July 27 until 8 a.m. of July 29, despite objections from the Office of the Ombudsman. In a two-page minute resolution dated July 25, the court’s Fifth Division directed Estrada to leave the San Juan City hospital “as soon as the procedures are terminated.” His lawyers were also told to furnish the court with a copy of the examination results. The use of communications and electronic gadgets by Estrada and his companions was placed under the control and supervision of the detailed PNP security. The minute resolution was signed by Associate Justices Rafael R. Lagos, Maria Theresa V. Mendoza-Arcega and Bayani H. Jacinto.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 26, 2017 23:37 UTC