Manila: The Sandiganbayan has granted detained Senator Jinggoy Estrada permission to undergo a medical evaluation for his knee condition, despite opposition from the prosecution.

According to Philippines News Agency, the anti-graft court's Fifth Division, which is handling Estrada's case along with four others for plunder and graft related to a kickback scheme in flood control projects, issued a three-page minute resolution allowing the senator to have a knee X-ray at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan on August 26.

The court stipulated that Estrada "shall be accompanied by appropriate security escorts for the said procedure," and all expenses, including hospital bills, medical fees, and transportation, will be the sole responsibility of Estrada. Additionally, the court mandated that aside from security escorts, only Estrada's immediate family, legal counsel, and attending medical personnel could accompany him. The resolution also imposed a strict prohibition on photography, video recording, and social media postings related to the procedure.

The tribunal emphasized that Estrada must return to the New Quezon City Jail by no later than 3 p.m. on the same day. Prior to his detention, Estrada had been experiencing joint effusion and intermittent pain in both knees. He had been previously diagnosed with osteoarthritis, which affects his mobility.

The court noted that Estrada has recently suffered from a flare-up of persistent knee pain, significantly impairing his ability to walk. This condition was communicated by his wife to Dr. Jose Fernando Syquia, his orthopedic doctor, who recommended the X-ray to assess the progression of his illness.

The prosecution opposed Estrada's request, suggesting instead that a portable X-ray machine or mobile X-ray clinics could be brought to the jail to conduct the procedure.