Hospital Transfer and Medical Findings
According to reports from ABS-CBN News and the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Estrada arrived at Cardinal Santos Medical Center wearing a yellow detainee uniform, displaying visible facial pain, and walking with difficulty. Dr. Syquia told reporters at the hospital that the lawmaker experienced a severe tear when he attempted to rise from a seated position inside his detention facility. Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) spokesperson Jail Superintendent Jayrex Bustinera confirmed that officials heard a distinct snap as Estrada walked out of his jail cell, disputing initial rumors that the senator had slipped in a restroom.
Medical personnel performed an X-ray and an MRI on the left knee, administered a pain-relieving medication injection, and fitted the joint with an immobilizer. Dr. Syquia stated that the diagnostic imaging revealed a complete tear at the root of the meniscus. “We saw that it was a complete tear; it’s pretty bad,” Syquia said in an interview covered by the Philippine Daily Inquirer. “I explained to the senator that these types of tears usually end up with surgery, because if you have a complete tear at the root of the meniscus, it’s as if the meniscus is not functioning at all.”
Treatment Options and Underlying Conditions
The 63-year-old senator has a documented history of joint issues. According to records from the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division cited by ABS-CBN News, Estrada suffers from joint effusion and intermittent pain in both knees due to a prior diagnosis of osteoarthritis. Dr. Syquia noted that body weight acts as a significant risk factor for arthritis and advised the senator to pursue weight loss.
Regarding the immediate necessity of an operation, Dr. Syquia explained that surgical intervention depends heavily on patient preference and pain management outcomes. If medical therapy fails to control the discomfort adequately, physicians plan to consult a pain specialist, which could necessitate formal hospital admission. Following the outpatient evaluation, Estrada was discharged from Cardinal Santos Medical Center at approximately 4:00 p.m. on August 26 and returned to his cell in Barangay Payatas under escort.
Legal Proceedings and Detention Status
Estrada is currently detained at the New Quezon City Jail while standing trial before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division. Prosecutors accuse the lawmaker of plunder in connection with an alleged P573 million financial scheme involving budgetary insertions and project allocations within the Department of Public Works and Highways infrastructure portfolio for fiscal year 2025. Estrada has consistently denied all accusations against him and has petitioned the court to reconsider previous denials of his bail requests.
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