The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Senator Rodante Marcoleta has been brought to the Quezon City Jail–Male Dormitory on Wednesday after the head of a government hospital announced that the lawmaker does not need further hospital confinement and is already fit to attend court trials.

In an interview with reporters, Gerardo Legaspi, University of the Philippines (UP) - Philippine General Hospital (PGH) director, said based on the findings of doctors from the PGH's Department of Medicine, the condition of Marcoleta has improved compared to the result of his medical assessment at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital after he surrendered last July 6 due to his plunder case.

"The findings that were seen last July 6, at the PNP General Hospital, have improved already. The X-ray shows that his pneumonia has cleared and the hypertension is now under control," said Legaspi.

"That's why, based on that information, we concluded that he doesn't need further confinement in a hospital and Senator Marcoleta is fit to attend court proceedings," he added.

However, Legaspi also noted the need for Marcoleta to remain isolated for at least one more week to complete his recovery.

"It is needed because he is an elderly. His isolation is maybe for one more week until he fully recovers from the effect of pneumonia," he said.

In a statement, the DILG through the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), confirmed the commitment of Marcoleta to the Quezon City Jail–Male Dormitory at 10:49 am on Wednesday, "pursuant to a Commitment Order issued by the Sandiganbayan Third Division in connection with a plunder case."

"The DILG assures the public that the BJMP will continue to uphold its mandate with professionalism, impartiality, and strict adherence to established rules and procedures," it said.

"No person deprived of liberty under the Bureau's custody shall be accorded special treatment," it added. Robina Asido/PHS