The Senate economic affairs committee resumed its inquiry on the World Bank road projects fiasco-- without  First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, who has been implicated in alleged corruption and bid-rigging.

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, chair of the Senate economic affairs committee, said the probe will seek to review whether there is need to increase penalties on collusion and the Philippine "version of the anti-trust law."

She said there was confusion in the various media reports on the "World Bank report". She pointed out there were four reports the bank produced: a referral report, notice of sanctions proceedings, decision of sanctions board, and a redacted report.

Mr. Arroyo was represented by his lawyer, Ruy Rondain, and his doctor, Antonio Sibulo, who told senators the First Gentleman's life would be at risk if he testifies.
 
Sibulo said Arroyo's attendance could subject him to mental stress, which may worsen his heart condition.

The First Gentleman checked in at the St. Luke's Medical Center Thursday morning for his regular therapy.

Mr. Arroyo has denied allegations he's involved in bribery and the rigging of bids for Philippine road projects funded by the World Bank.
 
"In a Senate hearing, what worries me as what I see in television, tempers and emotions run high... How can we quantify the effects of such exposure to such delicate patient like Mike Arroyo," Dr. Antonio Sibulo said.

Dr. Sibulo said he prevented Mr. Arroyo from attending the Senate hearing because it may become “mentally stressful” for him, which may lead to “catastrophic events.”

The doctor said aneurism patients like Mr. Arroyo, who suffered a severe attack almost two years ago, should be closely monitored and protected from stressful activities.

He said aneurism patients have a 50 to 70 per cent death rate in five years and 30 to 40 per cent death rate in 10 years.

“In the last 22 months, he has been following our advise, seeking our services two times a week for the last 22 months. He has controlled his blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and abided by all different recommendations,” Dr. Sibulo testified.

He said among the recommendations that Mr. Arroyo had to follow was to avoid mental stress.

Playing golf not stressful

Reacting to criticisms about Mr. Arroyo being allowed to play golf, Sibulo explained that playing golf is just like taking a bath and taking two flights of stairs.

He said playing golf is better for the First Gentleman than appearing in Senate hearings. The doctor also explained how Mr. Arroyo can suffer an attack during the hearing.

Dr. Sibulo added that the quantity of mental stress caused by Senate hearings is incalculable.

The doctor, meanwhile, said he would allow his patient to be subjected to a written deposition.

At the start of the hearing, Santiago said that there are two ways the Senate can find out the truth or seek explanation from Mr. Arroyo: through oral and written deposition.

Santiago explained that in an oral deposition, the Senate can send lawyers to Mr. Arroyo and question him. A stenographer will be transcribing the questioning and the respondent will be asked to sign the transcript.

In a written deposition, the senator said her committee will hear the written defense statement of the respondent and then send written questions, which should be returned with answers by the respondent.

“Written deposition would be less stressful. Written deposition would suffice,” the doctor told the senator.

The doctor also dismissed suggestions of trying webcasting or teleconferencing with the First Gentleman. He said this would still be stressful for Mr. Arroyo.

Earlier reports said Mr. Arroyo went to St. Luke's hospital in Quezon City for his regular bi-weekly therapy.

His lawyer, Ruy Rondain, had said that the First Gentleman is not using his regular therapy as an excuse not to attend the Senate hearing. -- with a report from ANC