Sen. Rodante Marcoleta’s press conference on Thursday was well within what is being allowed by the Sandiganbayan.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said the forum between the senator and reporters today inside the premises of the anti-graft court was alright with the justices.
‘The BJMP is simply implementing the directives of the Sandiganbayan,’ BJMP spokesman Jail Superintendent Jayrex Bustinera said in a text message.
Earlier, Marcoleta appeared before the Sandiganbayan Third Division for his bail hearing.
The senator is facing a plunder charge in connection with the alleged P75 million campaign donation he received while he was a sitting party-list representative.
Marcoleta faced the media after his hearing and he answered questions on the 16-vote conviction threshold for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.
Bustinera said the anti-graft body permitted members of the media after they requested to conduct a press conference within the Sandiganbayan premises.
‘It was conducted within the court premises, where BJMP personnel were present only to provide security and ensure compliance with the Court’s directives,’ he added.
During the interview, Marcoleta said he does not intend to seek a temporary release to join the senator-judges when they vote on whether to retain or revise the 16-vote requirement for conviction amid the absence of some senators.
Marcoleta is currently detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas