MANILA — Sen. Rodante Marcoleta remains under close medical observation at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital after doctors ruled that he is not yet medically fit to stand trial due to persistent fluctuations in his blood pressure following complaints of chest and neck pain.
The PNP Health Service said Marcoleta’s condition is stable but requires continued monitoring because of his age and existing hypertension before physicians can clear him for court proceedings.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Benaly Bayani, chief of the Internal Medicine Department of the PNP Health Service, said Marcoleta underwent initial medical examinations and laboratory tests upon admission after complaining of chest and neck pain.
Bayani said the senator’s blood pressure remained elevated at 140/90 as of 9 a.m. and continued to fluctuate, prompting doctors to keep him under continuous observation.
“Continuous ang BP monitoring namin sa kanya. Sa ngayon, fluctuating pa rin ang blood pressure niya. Considering his age and comorbidities, known hypertensive po kasi si Senator Marcoleta, kaya kailangan pa siyang i-monitor,” Bayani said.
He said doctors are awaiting the results of additional laboratory tests before determining whether Marcoleta’s condition has fully stabilized and whether he can be declared medically fit.
“Pwede nating masabing stable sa ngayon, pero considering his age at ang mga sintomas niya kahapon at ngayon… monitoring stage pa rin ang pasyente dahil hindi pa stable ang kanyang blood pressure,” Bayani said.
Earlier, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Marcoleta’s medical evaluation could take up to two days because of his age. Marcoleta is 72 years old.
Meanwhile, the PNP confirmed that Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio visited Marcoleta at the PNP General Hospital on Tuesday.
PNP spokesperson Colonel Allen Rae Co said Duterte arrived at around 7 a.m. and left shortly before 8 a.m.
Co said visits to the senator will be subject to the recommendation of the PNP Health Service, although Marcoleta’s immediate family members and legal counsel will continue to be allowed access.
He added that the PNP will immediately inform the Sandiganbayan once Marcoleta’s condition improves and he is declared medically fit to stand trial./PN
