Doc blames poor computer security for Arroyo leak

The doctor suspected of leaking information on President Arroyo's medical records said compromised computer security is to be blamed, her lawyer said Tuesday.

Dr. Niza Bermudes-Reyes, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Asian Hospital, denied that she was the source of the leaked medical information of the President.

Atty. Edwin Lacierda, Reyes's lawyer, said doctors have no access to medical records in the hospital, and his client did not request for a print-out of the records.

Lacierda said Reyes is blaming the lack of security of Asian Hospital's computer system, saying the records of the President was left open in a computer.

The record was also accessed 50 times, Lacierda said.

Reyes is at the center of the probe of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on the records leak, which occured after President Arroyo was confined at the hospital after traveling abroad.

Based on the statements of 3 medical staff to the NBI, they were on duty along with Reyes at the ultrasound service of the Center for Women's Health of the hospital.

At around 11:50 a.m., they said they were ordered by the doctor to open the medical file of the President.

Lacierda said they fear his client is the only person being pinned down in the investigation.

Reyes's camp also said that the doctor has no motive to malign the President's name.

Reyes has submitted her statement to the NBI, while the agency continues its investigation into the matter. -- With a report from Maan Macapagal, ABS-CBN News

(Dr. Niza Bermudes-Reyes was earlier erroneously identified as the obstetrician-gynecologist of President Arroyo. Our apologies - Eds)