Vice President Sara Duterte visited Senator Rodante Marcoleta at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital on Monday morning, July 7, the same day the Senate formally opened her impeachment trial.
Based on reports, Duterte arrived at the hospital at around 7:40 a.m. aboard a three-vehicle convoy and left Camp Crame at approximately 8:35 a.m.
The PNP General Hospital confirmed the visit during a media interview. PLtCol Benaly Bayani, chief of the hospital’s Internal Medicine department, said the Vice President met with the senator sometime between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
Marcoleta, 72, remains under police custody after being arrested in connection with a plunder case involving the alleged failure to disclose ₱75 million in campaign donations.
Hospital officials said the senator continues to be monitored for previously reported chest discomfort and has also complained of neck pain.
As of 8:00 a.m. on Monday, Marcoleta had been fasting in preparation for several laboratory tests. Doctors said further medical treatment or procedures will depend on the results of those examinations.
Security at the PNP General Hospital was also tightened as authorities continued to monitor the high-profile detainee.