The Sandiganbayan has granted detained Senator Rodante Marcoleta a one-day medical furlough, allowing him to leave the New Quezon City Jail temporarily for medical examinations as his legal battle over an alleged ₱75-million undeclared donation continues.
The Sandiganbayan Third Division, chaired by Associate Justice Karl Miranda, approved Marcoleta’s request during proceedings on September 3. His lawyers said he needs examinations that cannot adequately be conducted inside the jail and requested that he be brought to The Medical City in Pasig on September 7. The tests are expected to be completed within the day, after which he will be returned to detention.
Medical concerns behind the request
Marcoleta has been diagnosed with prostate enlargement, stage 2 hypertension and dyslipidemia, according to reports. His defense argued that an outside medical facility is necessary for the examinations.
The request had previously faced opposition from government prosecutors, who questioned the basis of the diagnosis because it came from Marcoleta’s personal physician rather than doctors at the jail facility.
The senator had also spent nine days at the Philippine National Police General Hospital following his arrest in July, when doctors monitored his condition and conducted various tests.
But the medical furlough is only part of the bigger legal battle
Marcoleta remains detained because he is facing a non-bailable plunder charge involving ₱75 million that prosecutors allege was not properly declared.
The money reportedly came in three transactions in January 2025: ₱30 million from former Anakalusugan party-list representative Mike Defensor, ₱25 million from businessman Joseph Espiritu, and ₱20 million from businessman Aristotle Viray. Prosecutors allege the amount was not reflected in Marcoleta’s campaign and financial disclosures.
Marcoleta and his three co-accused have pleaded not guilty. Marcoleta has disputed the allegations and maintained a different position regarding the nature of the money.
Bail hearing begins as Marcoleta fights detention
The timing of the furlough is significant because the Sandiganbayan Third Division has also begun hearing Marcoleta’s petition for bail in the plunder case.
During the first hearing, a Comelec official testified that Marcoleta had described the ₱75 million as his “personal fund.” However, the same witness clarified that Comelec itself did not determine whether the money was actually an election contribution or personal funds.
Marcoleta’s camp has also argued that matters concerning the money should fall under the jurisdiction of the Commission on Elections because of its connection to the 2025 elections. Prosecutors have challenged that position.
He remains in jail despite separate bail
Marcoleta also posted ₱90,000 in bail on September 3 for three separate cases involving alleged violations of Presidential Decree 46, the law prohibiting public officials from receiving certain gifts or benefits.
That bail, however, does not free him because the separate plunder case remains pending and is classified as non-bailable.
The case therefore now has two major developments unfolding at the same time: Marcoleta’s medical furlough and his fight for bail in the ₱75-million plunder case.
The bigger question is whether the court will eventually allow him to temporarily regain his freedom while the much larger legal battle over the disputed funds moves forward.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.D
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