Senator Rodante Marcoleta has been declared temporarily unfit to stand trial after experiencing recurring chest and neck pain following his arrest on Monday, July 6.
The 72-year-old lawmaker remains under medical observation at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital, where he is undergoing a series of diagnostic examinations while doctors continue to assess his condition.
According to Police Lt. Col. Benaly Bayani, chief of the PNP Health Service’s Internal Medicine Department, Marcoleta’s symptoms come and go, but his unstable blood pressure remains the primary concern.
“Hindi pa po stable ang blood pressure niya sa ngayon. Pwede po nating sabihin na clinically stable siya kasi ang symptoms po ay on and off, pero yung blood pressure niya hindi po stable, fluctuating po talaga.”
Bayani said the senator’s blood pressure has reached 140/90, prompting medical personnel to closely monitor him for recurring episodes of chest tightness and fluctuating blood pressure.
Marcoleta was rushed to the hospital shortly after his arrest in connection with a plunder case after his health reportedly worsened during the booking process.
Earlier, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the senator’s medical evaluation could take up to two days. Once doctors complete their assessment and determine that he is fit, authorities are expected to present him before the anti-graft court for the return of the arrest warrant and the issuance of a detention commitment order.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte visited Marcoleta at the PNP General Hospital at around 7:43 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7.
The senator remains under police custody while awaiting the results of his ongoing medical examinations.