Palace urges care for Marcoleta's health after plunder arrest

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday said the health of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta should be monitored and taken care of amid his arrest for the nonbailable charge of plunder, in connection with an undeclared P75-million campaign contribution.

The senator was confined at the Philippine National Police General Hospital in Camp Crame on July 6, the same day of his arrest. However, Associate Justice Ronald Moreno raised questions about why Vice President Sara Duterte and Sen. Robinhood Padilla were allowed to visit Marcoleta if the senator needs isolation.

READ: Confined by police, Marcoleta posts FB message

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“Of course, we cannot gamble his health. We must heed the doctors’ advice and closely monitor Senator Rodante Marcoleta’s health condition,” said Palace press officer Claire Castro at a briefing when asked for a reaction to the matter.

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“So, if he is being visited—and it appears someone has indeed complained or objected to this—it is also in accordance with the Sandiganbayan’s order,” Castro also said.

A Philippine National Police doctor said on Friday that Marcoleta is now fit to travel, as his health condition had improved.

Unlike his co-accused former Anakalusugan Rep. Michael Defensor and businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray, Marcoleta has yet to be committed to the Quezon City Jail after he was placed under observation due to his fluctuating blood pressure. He is also receiving treatment for mild pneumonia. /mr

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