The Sandiganbayan has denied the plea of the 63-year-old former mayor Joselito R. Alega of San Francisco town in Quezon province for his transfer to the Criminal Investigation Group (CIDG) in Camp Karingal, Quezon City.

In his motion, Alega told the anti-graft court that Camp Karingal is nearer to the National Kidney Center and other hospitals than the CIDG’s regional field office at Camp Crame where he is currently detained.

On Feb. 9, 2023, the former mayor was convicted of unlawful appointment, a violation of Article 244 of the Revised Penal Code. He was sentenced to a prison term of one month and one day and ordered to pay a fine of P1,000.

Alega told the Sandiganbayan that when he learned that a warrant of arrest was issued against him, he surrendered on Jan. 3, 2024 to the CIDG’s regional field office where he has been detained.

He also said that before he left his home in Lucena City, he was advised by his physician to avail himself of medical treatment because he is suffering from diabetes mellitus and hypertension, and also had mild stroke twice.

If his transfer is allowed, he said he would be able to avail himself of immediate medical treatment in case of emergencies.

But the Sandiganbayan found no basis for his plea.  "Aside from his bare allegations of his medical condition, there is nothing in his Omnibus Motion that would show that he needs constant or urgent medical attention," the court said in a resolution issued on Jan. 16.

"Furthermore, he did not show that there are no hospitals capable of addressing his medical needs near the Quezon District Jail. At any rate, if the accused, while serving his sentence, needs to undergo medical examination or treatment for a specific concern, the Court may allow the same upon the filing of the necessary motion," it said.

Sixth Division Chairperson Associate Justice Sarah Jane T. Fernandez wrote the three-page resolution with the concurrence of Associate Justices Karl B. Miranda and Kevin Narce B. Vivero.