The Manila Police District (MPD) tightened security at the University of the Philippines–Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) on Tuesday, July 14, as detained Senator Rodante Marcoleta was brought in for a court-ordered medical examination.
Marcoleta, 72, arrived at the state-run hospital in a wheelchair, wearing handcuffs and a protective vest, under escort by law enforcement personnel. He was accompanied by his wife and members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
The Sandiganbayan earlier ordered the transfer to PGH for an independent medical assessment to determine whether the senator still needs confinement at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital amid his plunder case.
MPD personnel were deployed around the hospital premises to ensure security and manage the flow of people during the senator’s arrival and examination.
PNP Spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said police doctors had already evaluated Marcoleta’s condition, but authorities are complying with the court’s directive for a third-party examination.
The results of the medical checkup are expected to help the court determine Marcoleta’s fitness to face trial and whether his continued hospital confinement remains necessary.