MANILA, Philippines — After over a week of being confined at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta was brought to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Manila where he underwent an independent medical examination as ordered by the Sandiganbayan. Marcoleta, who was in handcuffs, left Camp Crame in a police coaster at 11:15 a.m. He was escorted by Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) agents and personnel of the PNP Health Service.
Marcoleta arrived in a wheelchair at the PGH shortly before 12 noon.
The Sandiganbayan Third Division has ordered an independent medical evaluation on Marcoleta by the PGH, a state-owned hospital operated by the University of the Philippines.
The PNP said Marcoleta is ready to appear today before the anti-graft court for his plunder case hearing.
Doctors at the PGH said the senator is fit for travel, according to CIDG-National Capital Region field unit chief Col. John Guiagui.
“We are just waiting for the official results of his medical evaluation,” Guiagui said.
He said Marcoleta underwent several tests such as blood chemistry, 2D echocardiography and chest X-ray.
Marcoleta’s blood pressure was at 130/80 in the morning, but it went up to 160/70 after he arrived at the PGH.
Netizens have criticized the PNP for allegedly giving Marcoleta special treatment.
Marcoleta has been confined at the PNP General Hospital since his arrest for plunder on July 6.
PNP spokesman Col. Allen Rae Co defended the PNP doctors, saying Marcoleta’s confinement in the police hospital should not be misconstrued as a form of special treatment, but based on an objective assessment by physicians.
“He is staying in an ordinary room at the PNP General Hospital,” Co said. “We stand by our doctors. They will not gamble with their future, with their careers. There is no reason for them to do that.”
Co said the PNP welcomed the anti-graft court’s order as it would erase public doubts on Marcoleta’s health status.
Marcoleta, 72, has been diagnosed with mild pneumonia, hypertension, elevated cholesterol and a degenerative disc disease. He was brought back to the PNP General Hospital yesterday afternoon.