Marcoleta to remain under PNP custody... until further notice from Sandiganbayan
Sen. Rodante Marcoleta is assisted by CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II after his arrest for a case of plunder. photo: Santi San Juan
Embattled Senator Rodante Marcoleta will remain under the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP) over his unstable medical condition.
And most likely, the duration of his stay at Camp Crame in Quezon City will be at the PNP General Hospital since his blood pressure remains fluctuating and for other medical reasons considering his age. He is 72 years old.
In a statement, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said the decision to let Marcoleta stay under its custody was based on the order of the Sandiganbayan which is handling the non-bailable case of plunder.
“The PNP confirms that a Commitment Order was issued by the Sandiganbayan placing the Senator Marcoleta under the custody of the PNP CIDG pending trial and until further orders from the court,” the PNP statement read.
It was the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) which served the arrest warrant against Marcoleta on Monday, July 6, after the Third Division of the anti-graft court issued an arrest warrant.
Also arrested were Marcoleta’s co-accused, Mike Defensor, Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray.
Marcoleta was taken to the PNP General Hospital after he complained of chest and nape pains during the booking procedures. He has been at the hospital since then over unstable blood pressure.
“As of this date, Sen Marcoleta is still undergoing medical evaluation and treatment at the PNPGH and there is no other Commitment Order for him to be placed in a detention facility,” the PNP statement read.
The Sandiganbayan earlier directed the PNP to submit a medical record and booking procedure report over Marcoleta’s continuous stay at the PNP General Hospital.