The Sandiganbayan Third Division on Wednesday ordered Sen. Rodante Marcoleta’s transfer to the Quezon City Jail Dormitory after the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital assessed that he is already in stable condition and no longer requires hospital arrest.

Hospital director Dr. Gerardo Dizon Legazpi confirmed that Marcoleta’s health has improved and that continued confinement in a medical facility is no longer necessary.

The Sandiganbayan Third Division, through Chairperson Justice Karl Miranda, ruled that the senator may be transferred to the QC Jail Dormitory in Payatas, citing medical findings from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital that showed he is fit for regular detention.

Marcoleta had been under hospital arrest since July 6 following his earlier detention in connection with a plunder case.

Authorities from the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) said they are ready to transfer Marcoleta to the new Quezon City Jail in Payatas as early as Wednesday morning following the court’s directive.

Meanwhile, former congressman Mike Defensor and co-accused businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray were formally arraigned before the Sandiganbayan on Wednesday. All three entered not guilty pleas to the charges.

The case stems from alleged irregularities involving public funds, with proceedings now set to move forward following the arraignment of the accused.