Senator Rodante Marcoleta was transferred to the Quezon City Jail on Wednesday, nine days after his arrest in connection with a non-bailable plunder case.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology said Marcoleta arrived at the detention facility at 10:49 a.m. pursuant to a commitment order issued by the Sandiganbayan Third Division.
“The BJMP assures that no special treatment will be given to any PDL (person deprived of liberty) under the Bureau’s custody,” BJMP spokesperson Superintendent Jayrex Bustinera said.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government similarly assured the public that the BJMP “will continue to uphold its mandate with professionalism, impartiality, and strict adherence to established rules and procedures.”
“No person deprived of liberty under the Bureau’s custody shall be accorded special treatment,” the DILG added.
Marcoleta and his three co-accused—former Quezon City Rep. Michael Defensor and businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray—were arrested on Monday last week.
Defensor and Espiritu were committed to the Quezon City Jail hours after their arrest, while Viray was transferred to the same facility the following day.
Marcoleta remained confined at the Philippine National Police General Hospital after complaining of chest pain following his arrest. Medical examinations later showed that he had elevated blood pressure, mild pneumonia and high cholesterol.
Earlier Wednesday, the PNP transported Marcoleta to the Sandiganbayan, which subsequently ordered his commitment to the Quezon City Jail.
The PNP General Hospital had said Monday that Marcoleta was expected to complete his antibiotic treatment for mild pneumonia on Wednesday and could be declared fit to travel on the same day.