Sandiganbayan subpoenaes BJMP jail warden and attending doctors of Gigi Reyes

Gigi Reyes upon arrest. Photo courtesy of Carlos Santa Maria via Twitter.

MANILA — Doctors and senior officials of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) on Monday were ordered by the Sandiganbayan to appear before the Third Division on Tuesday to explain why lawyer Jessica Lucilla “Gigi” Reyes was transferred to the Philippine Heart Center even without any court order.

Reyes, the former chief of staff of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile was reportedly transferred and confined at the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) from Taguig-Pateros District Hospital. Doctors at the Taguig-Pateros District Hospital feared that the condition of Reyes might aggravate and decided to transfer her to PHC for they have no enough medical equipment available.

Third Division spokesman and clerk of court Dennis Pulma said they issued subpoenas to Rodencio Sta. Lucia and Anthony Lontoc, both doctors of Taguig-Pateros District Hospital; the Director of PHC; and the jail warden of BJMP female dormitory in Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City.

Pulma said that the anti-graft court will decide based on the testimonies of BJMP official and doctors whether they will allow or not the continued confinement of Reyes.

Earlier, BJMP had said it deemed the call an emergency case, as attested by doctors at the Taguig-Pateros hospital who were worried by Reyes’ continuing chest pains and difficulty in breathing.

According to BJMP spokesman Inspector Aris Villaester, a medical bulletin on Reyes’ health condition might be out by Wednesday or Thursday.