Senator Rodante Marcoleta has denied accusations that his wife’s role in an insurance firm poses a conflict of interest, dismissing the claims as politically motivated attacks.
In an interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, Marcoleta criticized the news outlet that reported on the issue, branding it as “bayaran” or was paid off and claiming it has long been engaged in efforts to malign him.
“Ang hina naman ng nag-research na iyon, diyan lang pinalilitaw talaga bayaran na ang mga media ngayon eh,” Marcoleta said.
“Hindi man lang nila tiningnan ‘yung aking asawa ay isang independent director. Hindi man lang nila ni-research kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng independent director,“ he added.
Marcoleta clarified that his wife, Edna Marcoleta, serves solely as an independent director of the insurance company, Stronghold Insurance, allegedly tied to transactions with government contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya, who have been implicated in the flood control scam.
“Ang independent director ay hindi ka maka-qualify kung ikaw ay may kamag-anak sa may-ari. Halimbawa mayroon kang pag-aari doon at mayroon kang kakilala sa mga nagmiminuno doon at nagpapasya lahat doon, hindi ganoon ang independent director. Dapat independent ka,” Marcoleta explained.
“Ang katungkulan mo lang ay i-protect ang minority shareholders at tsaka paminsan-minsan humahatol ka sa good governance. ‘Yung objectivity ng pagpapasya pero kahit kailan wala kang pagmamay-ari doon. Wala kang kinalaman kung sino man ang may interes doon. Ganoon po ang independent director,“ the Senator added.
He also claimed that certain groups are deliberately attempting to discredit him.
“Mayroon kasi kaming nakita na koneksyon doon sa mga naninira na ‘yan. Siguro sa mga susunod na araw ibubunyag din natin dahil ang kagustuhan nga nila ay makapanira sa kahit anong paraan. Hindi man lang nila isinaalang-alang na wala namang koneksyon ang pagiging independent director ng aking maybahay,“ he said.
It may be recalled that tensions flared during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing when Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson questioned Marcoleta on why he appeared to be protective of the Discaya couple.
Amid the controversy, netizens linked the issue to reports revealing that Discaya Construction Firms had tapped Stronghold Insurance to secure bond coverage for its alleged ghost flood control projects worth ₱250 million.
