Senator Rodante Marcoleta was transferred to the New Quezon City Jail on Monday after the Sandiganbayan denied his final legal bids to stop his arrest in connection with a non-bailable plunder case involving an alleged P75-million campaign donation.
Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Karl Miranda announced the issuance of arrest warrants against Marcoleta, former Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor, and businessmen Aristotle Viray and Joseph Espiritu.
Marcoleta appeared before the anti-graft court earlier in the day to argue three pending motions, including appeals to suspend the proceedings and prevent the implementation of the arrest warrant.
The Sandiganbayan Third Division denied the motions, clearing the way for authorities to place the senator under custody.
After the ruling, Marcoleta remained inside the Sandiganbayan complex and later returned to the Third Division courtroom for the formal return of the warrant before being turned over to police.
Speaking briefly to reporters, Marcoleta said he would respect the court’s decision and face the charges through the proper legal process.
He was later escorted to a police coaster and transported to the New Quezon City Jail’s male dormitory in Barangay Payatas, where he will be detained while the plunder case proceeds.
The facility has previously held high-profile political figures facing corruption charges, including Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. during their respective plunder cases.
As the police vehicle pulled away from the Sandiganbayan, Marcoleta raised his hand and blew a goodbye kiss to supporters gathered outside.
His supporters waved and shouted words of encouragement as the senator began the next phase of his legal battle.