Senator Rodante Marcoleta will remain at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital for at least two days to complete a series of medical examinations before he is presented before the Sandiganbayan for the return of his arrest warrant, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said.
Speaking to reporters at Camp Crame, Remulla explained that unlike former congressman Mike Defensor, who will immediately undergo the return of warrant proceedings, the 72-year-old senator will first complete his medical clearance to ensure he is fit for detention.
“Ito ay makabubuti sa kanya, marami pa po siyang test na pagdaraanan tulad ng mga ECG at iba pa, para sigurado ang kanyang fitness,” Remulla said.
The DILG chief added that authorities expect the senator's medical evaluation to be completed within two days before submitting the results to the anti-graft court.
“Hindi namin alam kung kailan matatapos 'yun. Hopefully within the two days tapos na lahat ng kanyang examinations para sa full health na ire-report namin sa Sandiganbayan na maaari na siyang ilagay sa... maging PDL sa Quezon City Jail,” he added.
Marcoleta voluntarily surrendered to authorities after the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant for his arrest in connection with the ₱75-million plunder case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman. Upon completion of his medical examinations and court proceedings, he is expected to be transferred to the Quezon City Jail in Payatas as a person deprived of liberty (PDL) while the case is pending.
The Sandiganbayan also issued arrest warrants against former congressman Mike Defensor, Joseph Espiritu, and Aristotle Viray. Defensor and Espiritu have since been arrested, while authorities continue to search for Viray.
