MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) clarified on Saturday, September 19, that a press conference held by Senator Rodante Marcoleta inside the Sandiganbayan was authorized by the anti-graft court and conducted in full compliance with official security procedures.
BJMP spokesperson Supt. Jayrex Bustinera emphasized that escort officers were present strictly to maintain order and adhere to judicial instructions during the senator’s exchange with the press following his bail hearing before the court’s Third Division.
“Based on the report of our escort personnel, the press conference was requested by members of the media and was subsequently permitted by the Sandiganbayan. It was conducted within the court premises, where BJMP personnel were present only to provide security and ensure compliance with the court’s directives,’’ Bustinera said.
During the post-hearing briefing, Marcoleta addressed reporters on various topics, notably the 16-vote requirement to convict Vice President Sara Duterte in her upcoming impeachment proceedings. The lawmaker, who is serving a 90-day preventive suspension while facing plunder charges over an alleged ₱75-million campaign contribution during his tenure as a SAGIP Party-list representative, confirmed he would not seek temporary release to take part in Senate discussions regarding the conviction threshold.
Addressing recent controversies regarding the senator’s detention conditions, the bureau firmly dismissed rumors that high-profile inmates receive preferential care or air-conditioned accommodations at the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory (QCJMD).
Bustinera clarified that air-conditioned facilities are strictly restricted to staff operations and clinical services.
“That’s the doctors’ consultation area, yung may aircon. Infirmary cell cellblock yung isolation cell,’’ Bustinera noted.
Following his commitment to the QCJMD on July 15, Marcoleta has undergone the standard intake procedures applicable to all incoming detainees, with the jail bureau reiterating its commitment to uniform treatment across all its facilities.
“It is not just in Payatas (QCJMD), our other jail facilities also handle similar demographics and possess the same capabilities,’’ Bustinera maintained.