MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has convicted former congressman Michael “Mike” Defensor and his co-accused of plunder, while Senator Rodante Marcoleta was separately transferred to the New Quezon City Jail after doctors declared him fit to stand trial.

The anti-graft court found Defensor and his co-accused guilty after concluding that the prosecution had proven their criminal liability beyond reasonable doubt. The court subsequently imposed the corresponding penalties under the law.

In a separate development, Senator Marcoleta was transferred to the New Quezon City Jail after physicians from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) certified that he was medically fit to participate in court proceedings.

Marcoleta’s transfer was ordered in connection with the plunder case pending before the Third Division of the Sandiganbayan. Unlike Defensor, Marcoleta has not been convicted, and his case remains pending before the court.

The senator had earlier remained under medical care before the court acted on the findings that he was already fit for detention and trial.

As the proceedings continue, Marcoleta remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by final judgment, in accordance with the Constitution.

CurrentPH is closely monitoring both cases and will provide updates as developments unfold.