Senator Rodante Marcoleta is now fit to travel after his condition improved, the Philippine National Police Health Service told the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Friday.
Marcoleta was brought to the PNP General Hospital instead of being transferred to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Male Dormitory in Barangay Payatas, Quezon City, after complaining of chest pain and high blood pressure.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said the senator’s medical evaluation was expected to be completed within two days and that he was supposed to appear before the Sandiganbayan on Wednesday to continue his booking process.
PNP General Hospital Internal Medicine chief Lt. Col. Benaly Bayani had previously said Marcoleta was not yet fit to travel.
During Friday’s hearing, however, Bayani told Associate Justice Karl Miranda that the senator’s condition had improved and that he could now travel, provided he wears a face mask.
Bayani said Marcoleta now experiences only occasional chest pain and no longer has difficulty breathing.
Despite the improvement, the hospital recommended that he remain confined to complete treatment for mild pneumonia detected during medical examinations.
Miranda ordered Bayani to submit a notarized daily medical report on Marcoleta’s condition until the senator can personally appear before the court for commitment proceedings.
Authorities returned Marcoleta’s warrant of arrest on Monday, but the Sandiganbayan has yet to issue a commitment order.