Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said Monday that Sen. Rodante Marcoleta both surrendered to authorities and was later formally arrested after the Sandiganbayan denied his motion to quash.
“Was he arrested or did he surrender? It was both,” Remulla said during a press briefing.
According to Remulla, Marcoleta went to the Sandiganbayan at around 8:30 am to file a motion seeking to quash the case against him.
“When his motion to quash was denied, Sandiganbayan was locked down, and he was not allowed to go out,” Remulla said.
“Subsequently, when it was denied, we closed down the building, and the arresting team arrived. So it was both,” he added.
Remulla said Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II arrived at the anti-graft court at around 9:30 am to escort Marcoleta to Camp Crame.
Marcoleta was later brought to Camp Crame for the booking process, including the taking of mug shots and a medical examination.
Remulla said the medical assessment may take time because the 72-year-old senator has to undergo an electrocardiogram test.
“We do not know when it will be completed, but hopefully within the next two days, the examination will be completed,” Remulla said.
“Do not rush us. Give us time to determine the full picture of his health,” he added.
Remulla also said authorities would take Marcoleta’s mug shots as he appears in public, including with his hairpiece.
“I must remind everyone that we are not here to humiliate anyone… His picture will be taken as he appears in public. We are here to arrest him and have him tried, but not to humiliate him. He still has his rights,” Remulla said.