MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Rodante Marcoleta is still confined in hospital after complaining of chest pains following his arrest for plunder.
Marcoleta’s stay at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital might last for two days as doctors will determine his fitness to stand trial before the Sandiganbayan and be detained at the New Quezon City Jail, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said.
His co-accused, businessman Aristotle Viray, was arrested on Monday night at a fuel station in Quezon City.
Viray is now detained at the New Quezon City Jail, along with former lawmaker Michael Defensor and businessman Joseph Espiritu.
Defensor, Espiritu and Viray donated P30 million, P20 million and P25 million, respectively, for Marcoleta’s senatorial bid in the 2025 midterm elections.
PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said he was satisfied with how the operations to arrest Marcoleta and his co-accused were quickly carried out without untoward incident.
Vice President Sara Duterte visited Marcoleta and spoke with him for about an hour, according to Lt. Col. Benaly Bayani, chief of internal medicine at the hospital.
Marcoleta’s other visitors included his family and lawyers.