By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte paid a visit Tuesday morning to Sen. Rodante Marcoleta at the Philippine National Police General Hospital inside Camp Crame, where the lawmaker is undergoing medical evaluation following his arrest on plunder charges.
The Office of the Vice President confirmed Duterte’s visit, which came a day after Marcoleta was taken to the hospital after reportedly experiencing chest pains and elevated blood pressure while undergoing booking procedures at Camp Crame.
Witnesses observed several vehicles leaving the hospital compound at around 8:35 a.m., shortly after the Vice President’s visit.
Marcoleta, 72, is facing a plunder case stemming from allegations involving P75 million in undeclared campaign donations. He was arrested together with three co-accused, while the others—former Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Mike Defensor and businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray—were transferred Monday to the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory following their processing by authorities.
Duterte’s hospital visit came as political attention remained focused on her own legal battle. On Monday, the Vice President did not appear at the opening session of her impeachment trial before the Senate.
The impeachment proceedings involve allegations that include the alleged misuse of confidential and intelligence funds, unexplained wealth, and betrayal of public trust. Duterte has consistently denied the accusations and is expected to contest the charges through her legal team as the proceedings continue.
ia/xf
