Valenzuela City Mayor WES Gatchalian ordered the investigation of ACE Medical Center over complaints on Serious Illegal Detention defined and penalized under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code and Slight Illegal Detention defined and penalized under Article 268 of the same Code.

The complainants, Richel Mae Alvaro, 26, from Barangay Pasolo, and Lovery Magtangob, 28, a resident of Disiplina Village Bignay filed separate complaints against ACE Medical Center employees for serious illegal detention that allegedly occurred last February 14 to 17, and slight illegal detention allegedly committed last February 28, respectively.

Based on her narration, Alvaro brought her husband, Michael Alvaro to ACE Medical Center located in Barangay Malanday last February, who was then admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Unfortunately, her husband died last February 14 at 8:57 AM due to complications. Alvaro inquired from the Credit and Collection Officer and Administrative Officer about how she could go home while the hospital bill amounting to PhP518,519.37 has yet to be settled. However, she was prevented from leaving the hospital premises and was not even allowed to buy food outside.

Alvaro further claimed that she was monitored by the security guards at the ICU waiting area, where she stayed for almost three days. According to her, it was only last February 17, that she was able to go home, as she managed to escape using the back gate of the hospital.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, Magtangob disclosed that alongside her brother, John Christopher Santos, they brought her sister-in-law (and wife of Santos) Rhodalyn Santos to the same hospital last February 22, who subsequently died due to Thyroid Storm complications. With a total bill of PhP777,378.00, the siblings were unable to pay immediately. She further revealed that the hospital security guard instructed her to not leave its premises while waiting for the arrival of her brother, who processed the bill settlement.

The accused, employees of ACE Medical Center allegedly detained both the complainants Magtangob and Alvaro, and refused to release the death certificates of their deceased loved ones. According to them, said hospital merely issued them probational death certificates, and were informed that one of the family members should stay at the hospital while the bill is being settled.

The foregoing incidents prompted Alvaro and Santos to seek the help of Mayor WES Gatchalian for the release of the death certificates of their deceased relatives, as well as assistance on the filing of appropriate complaints against the responsible officers and employees of the hospital.

The City Government of Valenzuela, on the other hand, closely monitored the cases and supported the complainants by giving them free legal assistance through the LAMP SINAG (Libreng Abogado para sa Maralitang Panlungsod - Sumbungan ng mga Inaaping Nanay, Anak, at Ginang), headed by City Councilor Atty. Bimbo Dela Cruz. Formal charges were filed last March 5, and April 1, respectively.

The ACE Medical Center has already submitted its Counter-Affidavit denying the complaints against them, and Magtangob’s camp is set to file a Reply-Affidavit thereto this coming April 3.

During the presser, Mayor WES took the opportunity to introduce the newest application of the City dubbed “V – ALERT,” the Valenzuela City Emergency and Rescue Assistance App. It is an all-in-one application for reporting emergencies and needs where the immediate response of Ambulance, Fire Station, Valenzuela City Police, Women and Child Protection, Animal Rescue, Traffic Management, and Waste Management shall be deployed, depending on the needs of the Valenzuelanos.

Aside from emergency hotlines and weather and traffic updates, city ordinances can also be found in the app.

Mayor WES pointed out that emergency cases of the Valenzuelanos can be reported immediately on the app, which will serve as an essential tool in maintaining peace and order in the community.

Relevant to these illegal detention incidents, the City Government re-affirmed its strong commitment to protecting the rights of the patients and assuring the Pamilyang Valenzuelano that their welfare is the priority of the local government. In addition, the City Council is now drafting an ordinance on prohibition of detention of patients in the hospital, which will safeguard the Pamilyang Valenzuelano.

###