Marcoleta freed from hospital arrest after PGH exam; Lacson calls it 'miracle!'

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Rodante Marcoleta has been released from hospital arrest after undergoing an independent medical examination at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). Senator Panfilo Lacson lauded the senator's recovery, describing his ability to walk out after arriving in a wheelchair as a 'miracle.' Lacson wrote on X that he gave 'Kudos' to the PGH for prioritizing professionalism and integrity in submitting their medical report to the Sandiganbayan. His remarks were in reference to Marcoleta being seen walking while leaving the Sandiganbayan on Wednesday after appearing before the anti-graft court. Marcoleta was admitted to the Philippine National Police General Hospital (PNPGH) after complaining of chest pains and hypertension following his arrest. After PNPGH found him fit to travel, the anti-graft court ordered an independent medical examination at PGH to determine if he still needed to be hospitalized. PGH doctor Gerardo Legazpi told the court that the senator had recovered from pneumonia and his hypertension could be managed outside the hospital. Legazpi added that PGH doctors unanimously concluded that Marcoleta had no medical condition requiring hospitalization. Marcoleta is currently detained following a warrant of arrest from the Sandiganbayan Third Division against him and three co-accused in connection with a plunder case over P75 million in campaign donations he allegedly received while serving as a congressman, which state prosecutors claim was not declared in his financial and campaign disclosures. Information source: Inquirer NewsInfo