Davide backs inmate’s trip sans court order

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III has defended his jail consultant and Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center warden for bringing an inmate to a private hospital without a court order.

Davide came in defense of Marco Toral, consultant on jail matters, and warden Romeo Manansala after they were asked by the court to explain why inmate Bienvenido Noel was brought outside the jail without the court’s approval.

“Kung kinahanglan diay og medical attention ang inmate, he has to be brought to the hospital. Kung kamatyunon na ang pasyente, magpaabot pa diay ka’g court order?” Davide told reporters.

Davide, a lawyer by profession, said the inmate was allegedly in critical condition that needed immediate medical attention.

He added that bringing the patient out of the jail facility for medical attention was a judgment call by the jail management.

“Automatic na. That’s instinct,” he said.

Noel, who was charged with murder, sustained fractures on October 18 while playing basketball with the other inmates. The inmate was reportedly in emergency situation. The jail officials together with Noel returned the next day to the hospital to have his left foot wrapped in a cast.  (FREEMAN)