Senator Juan Ponce Enrile at Camp Crame on the way to the PNP Hospital. The Sandiganbayan has ordered Enriles arrest in connection with the plunder and graft cases filed by the Ombudsman. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/ LEO SABANGAN

MANILA, PhilippinesFor the Office of the Special Prosecutor, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile need not be under hospital arrest for his plunder case because the 90-year-old lawmaker seemed healthier after his stem cell treatment.

During a hearing at the Sandiganbayan on Tuesday, prosecutor Annielyn Cabelis said Enriles motion for him to be detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital is unfounded and self-serving.

Cabelis told the court that even with his age and various illnesses, Enrile is still performing quite well as senator.

The prosecutor cited Enriles stem cell treatment as adding strength to the veteran lawmaker.

Hes undergone stem cell surgery, adding vigor to the accused. Its not really precarious as what they told the court, Cabelis said.

Associate Justice Samuel Martires noted the prosecutors claim that Enrile seemed stronger after the stem cell treatment.

The justice then went on to ask the prosecutor if she feels her blood pressure going up when she is arguing with her husband.

When the prosecutor said I dont fight with my husband, Martires pointed out that anxiety for persons facing a crime also affects their blood pressure.

Do you know an anxiety of a person who has a case, especially a criminal case? Do you know that the period of anxiety also affect blood pressure? Martires told the prosecutor.

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