The Sandiganbayan has allowed detained Sen. Jinggoy Estrada to temporarily leave the New Quezon City Jail to undergo an X-ray procedure on both knees at a private hospital in San Juan City on Wednesday, August 26.

In a resolution, the anti-graft court’s Fifth Division granted Estrada’s request for medical leave after he cited persistent pain in both knees and a previous diagnosis of osteoarthritis, a condition that has made walking difficult for him.

Estrada said his orthopedic doctor recommended an X-ray of both knees to determine whether his condition had worsened. The procedure is expected to take about 15 to 30 minutes.

The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that Estrada’s reported condition was not based on a direct clinical assessment or independently verified medical findings. State prosecutors also suggested alternatives, including the use of a mobile X-ray service at the detention facility or an examination at a government-run medical facility.

The Sandiganbayan nevertheless granted the request subject to conditions.

Estrada will be allowed to leave the detention facility at 11 a.m. on August 26 and must be returned by 3 p.m. the same day. The court also ordered him to shoulder all hospital, transportation and incidental expenses related to the procedure.

Estrada is currently detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas in connection with a plunder case stemming from alleged irregularities in flood control projects. 

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