Only immediate family members will now be allowed to visit detained Sen. Rodante Marcoleta at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital after he was diagnosed with pneumonia, a police health official said.

PNP Health Service Director Brig. Gen. Portia Manalad said stricter visitation rules are now in place as part of health protocols and in compliance with directives from the Sandiganbayan.

“Sa tingin namin kailangan may necessary protocols na as per the Sandiganbayan,” Manalad said.

Manalad also apologized to the anti-graft court for lapses during earlier visits by Vice President Sara Duterte and Sen. Robin Padilla, who were allowed to see Marcoleta without wearing face masks despite his illness.

“I'm just saying about the lapses that we forgot to say na kailangan naka-mask sila because of the condition of the senator. Yun lang yung hiningi ko ng apologize kasi yun lang yung coverage ko,” she said, clarifying that the issue fell under health protocol enforcement.

Manalad said decisions on who may visit Marcoleta are primarily handled by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), which serves as the arresting unit, in coordination with the PNP’s police intelligence offices.

“When we talk about the arresting, kung anong nangyari, sinong papayagan, it will be for the CIDG to decide,” she said.

When asked about how the earlier visits were approved, Manalad said there had been prior communication involving Padilla but declined to elaborate, noting that such matters should be addressed to the CIDG.

She added that the PNP Health Service will review procedures and coordinate with concerned units to prevent similar lapses, while ensuring full compliance with court orders.

Marcoleta remains confined at the PNP General Hospital after experiencing chest pain and elevated blood pressure following his arrest, according to the CIDG.

The senator was arrested on July 6 after the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant in connection with a plunder case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman.