MANILA, Philippines -- Activists belonging to the group Sanlakas staged a protest Wednesday evening at St. Luke's Medical Center, where former agriculture secretary Jocelyn "Jocjoc" Bolante, tagged as the architect of the multimillion fertilizer scam, is confined.

But hospital security immediately dispersed the protesters, led by Sanlakas alliance coordinator Rasti Delizo, who were demanding the arrest of Bolante.

Bolante, who returned to the country late Tuesday night after being deported by the United States, has been served an order of arrest issued by the Senate and is considered under the custody of the chamber, which wants him to testify on the alleged diversion of P728 million to the 2004 campaign kitty of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The hospital has remained mum about the condition of Bolante, who was deported after his application of political asylum was rejected by the American government.

But a hospital bill shown selected reporters showed that Bolante has undergone several medical tests. The bill showed Bolante’s payables have reached P68,872 so far but he has been granted a discount of 13,774.40.

Reports said Bolante complained of chest pains upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.