MANILA — Senator Rodante Marcoleta was formally transferred to the Quezon City Jail-Male Dormitory on Wednesday after the Sandiganbayan issued a commitment order in connection with the non-bailable plunder case filed against him.
According to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, the senator was received by the facility at 10:49 a.m. BJMP spokesperson Jail Supt. Jayrex Bustinera said the bureau would treat Marcoleta like any other person deprived of liberty under its custody.
“No special privileges will be extended to any detainee,” Bustinera said.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government echoed the assurance, saying the BJMP remains committed to enforcing the law fairly and in accordance with standard procedures.
Before his transfer, Marcoleta was being held by the Philippine National Police following his arrest over allegations of plunder linked to undeclared campaign contributions.
Medical records from the PNP General Hospital showed that the senator had been diagnosed with mild pneumonia, elevated cholesterol, and high blood pressure, although his blood pressure had reportedly stabilized days after his arrest.
On Tuesday, he underwent another medical evaluation at the Philippine General Hospital as directed by the Sandiganbayan. During Wednesday’s court proceedings, PGH Director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi testified that Marcoleta no longer needed hospital confinement.
Marcoleta first appeared before the anti-graft court on July 6, when he filed a motion seeking the dismissal of the plunder and indirect bribery charges.
The case also includes former congressman Mike Defensor and businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray as co-accused.
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