Enrile undergoes another eye treatment

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile went out of the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital yesterday for an eye checkup, just like on Saturday when the police escorted him to the Asian Eye Institute in Rockwell in Makati City.

The 90-year-old Enrile has undergone treatment for his eyes’ muscular degeneration the past two consecutive weekends.

His lawyers said Enrile needs the treatment to avoid going blind.

Enrile, however, did not grant even a short interview with the media. His convoy went straight to the basement of the clinic while members of the media were staked out at the clinic’s main entrance.

The convoy that escorted Enrile left the PNP General Hospital at around 8:30 a.m. yesterday.

Just like last week, the checkup on Enrile’s eye reportedly lasted less than 10 minutes and the convoy headed back to the PNP Hospital by 9 a.m.

Enrile was first brought to the Asian Eye Institute last July 5 for treatment. He was brought back to the eye clinic the following day. During his July 5 visit to the eye clinic, Enrile had intravitreal aflibercept injection on his right eye, the PNP said.

Enrile said his right eye was treated to address mascular degeneration, which if not treated properly could lead to blindness.

Enrile surrendered to the PNP after the Sandiganbayan issued the warrant of arrest on charges of graft and plunder stemming from the misuse of pork barrel funds.