GMA asks Sandiganbayan approval to undergo mammogram

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (Wikipedia photo)

MANILA — Aside from a 12-day Christmas furlough, former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Thursday asked the Sandiganbayan First Division to grant her a few hours medical leave from Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) to undergo mammogram at Makati Medical Center.

“Wherefore, accused (former) President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo respectfully prays that she be allowed to undergo a digital mammogram at the Makati Medical Center (MMC) on 18 December 2014, at 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and that she be allowed to leave Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) at 12 noon in order for her to arrive at the MMC on time for her mammogram,” the motion filed by Atty. Jose B. Flaminiano said.

Arroyo is facing plunder charge in connection with her involvement in the misuse of the intelligence funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) amounting to P366 million.

Earlier, Mrs. Arroyo, 67-year old, sought a 12-day Christmas and New Year furlough with her family at her residence in posh La Vista subdivision in Quezon City from December 23 to January 3, 2015.

Being a breast cancer high-risk, the defense said “President Arroyo last underwent a digital mammogram in August of 2012” and she should undergo the same procedure.

“She needs to undergo a follow up mammogram as she has a high risk of developing breast cancer because her mother had breast cancer. Dra. Theresa Lopez, her personal physician of fifteen years, has advised her to undergo a mammogram at least yearly,” the defense said.

“The Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) does not have the equipment to perform a conclusive mammogram. On the other hand, the Makati Medical Center (MMC) offers digital mammography, which Dra. Lopez recommends for President Arroyo,” it said.

“Dra. Lopez can conduct the mammogram at the MMC on 18 December 2014 at 2 p.m. Dra. Lopez will need a minimum of two hours to conduct the mammogram. Needless to say, President Arroyo will leave the MMC and return to VMMC as soon as the mammogram and medical consultation are completed,” the defense added.