Sen. Panfilo Lacson during the 4th day of VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. Photo courtesy of Sen. Ping Lacson/Facebook.
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson praised the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital for what he described as an impartial medical evaluation of Senator Rodante Marcoleta.
The Sandiganbayan had ordered Marcoleta to undergo a separate examination at PGH to determine whether he still required confinement at the Philippine National Police General Hospital.
Based on the findings submitted to the anti-graft court, doctors found no condition that warranted his continued hospitalization.
The Sandiganbayan subsequently directed authorities to transfer Marcoleta to the new Quezon City Jail facility in Barangay Payatas.
Lacson noted that Marcoleta had arrived at the court in a wheelchair but was later seen walking as he left the premises. He commended PGH for placing professionalism and integrity above other considerations in preparing its report.
Marcoleta was arrested on July 6 over plunder and graft charges involving an alleged Php 75-million donation he received while serving as a congressman but reportedly failed to declare.
He was initially confined at the PNP hospital after doctors diagnosed him with mild pneumonia and other conditions. During his stay, he reportedly received visitors, including Vice President Sara Duterte and Sen. Robinhood Padilla.
Lacson said he would raise during the 2027 budget hearings the use of the PNP hospital by public officials facing criminal cases, including the question of who should pay for their confinement in a facility primarily intended for police personnel and their dependents.
