Medical clearance paves way for transfer to New Quezon City Jail as plunder case proceeds
By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Sandiganbayan on Wednesday ordered the transfer of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta to the New Quezon City Jail after government physicians declared him medically fit to leave hospital custody.
Associate Justice Karl Miranda said the anti-graft court issued the commitment order following the findings of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), which cleared Marcoleta of mild pneumonia, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital, which certified that the senator is now fit to travel.
The transfer marks the latest development in the plunder case filed against Marcoleta, who, along with three co-accused, became the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan Third Division on July 6.
The charges stem from allegations that Marcoleta failed to declare a P75-million campaign donation he allegedly received while serving as a party-list representative. State prosecutors contend that the amount was omitted from both his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) and his campaign finance disclosures.
Instead of being immediately committed to a detention facility after the arrest warrant was issued, Marcoleta was admitted to the PNP General Hospital after complaining of chest pains and hypertension.
With both the PGH and PNP General Hospital now certifying that his medical condition no longer prevents his detention, the Sandiganbayan ordered his transfer to the New Quezon City Jail, where he will remain while facing trial before the anti-graft court.
Marcoleta has consistently denied the allegations against him as the plunder case continues before the Sandiganbayan Third Division.
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