Senate minority bloc wants De Lima's detention cell air-conditioned during summer months

Senate Minority bloc leaders on Thursday formally requested the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the installation of an air-conditioning unit or transfer to the PNP hearing rooms in the afternoons for detained Senator Leila de Lima as the country suffers from high temperature levels.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon and Senator Francis N. Pangilinan made the request for better ventilation for de Lima who was rushed to the Manila Doctors Hospital in Manila after suffering bouts of ‘’vomiting, nausea, intense headache, and blurred vision.’’

De Lima underwent several tests during her three-day medical furlough granted by the courts from April 24 to 27, 2021.

The two senators said that de Lima’s migraines were, according to hospital doctors, triggered by ‘’hot environment, poor ventilation and noise.’’

‘’In this connection, her attending physicians recommended “educing/removing environmental factors such as heat (provide air conditioner or better ventilation), poor ventilation and noise (noisy electric fan),’’ the letter said.

The letter was addressed to Police Brigadier General Arthur V. Bisnar.

‘’Senator De Lima suffers from migraines and bouts with high blood pressure every afternoon because of the unbearable heat. Should her living conditions remain the same, Senator De Lima might suffer another heat stroke,’’ the letter added.