By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Sandiganbayan Third Division has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to transfer Sen. Rodante Marcoleta to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) for an independent medical examination before requiring him to appear in court as proceedings in his plunder case continue.
In a resolution dated July 13, the anti-graft court directed authorities to bring Marcoleta to PGH at 12 noon on Tuesday, July 14, where he will undergo an evaluation to determine whether his continued confinement at the Philippine National Police General Hospital (PNPGH) remains medically justified.
The court likewise ordered the senator to personally appear before the Third Division on Wednesday, July 15.
The directive came after Marcoleta was hospitalized at the PNPGH on July 6 following complaints of chest pains and a diagnosis of hypertension shortly after the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant for his arrest in connection with a P75-million plunder case.
Instead of being committed to a detention facility, the senator was admitted to the PNP hospital pending medical treatment.
The court instructed PGH Director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi to conduct an independent assessment of Marcoleta’s condition and determine whether there is an imperative need for him to remain confined at the PNPGH.
Dr. Legaspi was also directed to testify before the Sandiganbayan on Wednesday regarding the findings of the medical examination and the results of the tests performed on the senator.
The order was addressed to CIDG-National Capital Region chief Col. John Guiagui and PNPGH Internal Medicine Department chief Lt. Col. Benaly Bayani, who were tasked with ensuring Marcoleta’s transfer to PGH and subsequent appearance before the court.
Marcoleta is facing plunder charges over the alleged receipt of P75 million in campaign donations while serving as a party-list lawmaker. State prosecutors claim the funds were not declared in his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) and campaign finance disclosures.
Also charged in the case are former Representative Mike Defensor and businessmen Aristotle Viray and Joseph Espiritu. The three co-accused have already been arrested and committed to the New Quezon City Jail after police served the warrants against them.
The arraignment and pretrial of Marcoleta and his co-accused, originally scheduled for July 10, were postponed due to pending motions filed before the Sandiganbayan.
The court is expected to decide on Marcoleta’s custodial status after receiving the findings of the independent medical examination and hearing Dr. Legaspi’s testimony during Wednesday’s proceedings.
ia/xf
