By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) will prohibit members of the media from entering its premises during the court-ordered medical examination of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, hospital officials said on Tuesday.
PGH Director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi said the restriction is intended to protect patients and ensure that regular hospital operations will not be disrupted while the senator undergoes medical evaluation.
“We cannot allow media access inside the hospital because it may affect other patients and interfere with hospital services,” Legaspi said.
PGH spokesperson Dr. Jonas Del Rosario echoed the hospital director’s statement, emphasizing that the institution will strictly observe patient privacy and security protocols throughout the senator’s visit.
Both officials declined to disclose details of the medical procedures or examinations that Marcoleta will undergo, citing the confidential nature of the evaluation.
Legaspi said the hospital is merely complying with an order issued by the Sandiganbayan and, as such, is not in a position to release information beyond what the court has authorized.
Del Rosario added that any official updates regarding the results of the medical examination or related proceedings would come directly from the Sandiganbayan.
The anti-graft court earlier directed Marcoleta to undergo a medical examination at the Philippine General Hospital as part of the proceedings in his pending case.
The Sandiganbayan likewise ordered Legaspi to appear before the court on Wednesday to submit a report on the senator’s medical evaluation and compliance with the court’s directive.
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