Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano on Tuesday defended the Office of the Ombudsman’s plan to file possible plunder charges against Senator Rodante Marcoleta, saying the filing of cases is grounded on transparency, accountability, and adherence to evidence-based investigation.

The statement came as members of the Iglesia ni Cristo staged a rally along EDSA in support of Marcoleta, following the Ombudsman’s announcement that it is set to file a plunder case against the senator within the week.

During a press briefing, Clavano said the agency and the religious group share the same principle of promoting accountability in government.

“Kung accountability po at transparency ang kanilang pinaglalaban, ’yun din po ang aming pinaglalaban dito sa Office of the Ombudsman… na lahat ng nagkakamali ay mananagot sa batas,” Clavano said, adding that the institution’s mandate is to investigate and prosecute cases when warranted by evidence.

He stressed that the filing of charges is not "politically-motivated" and that allegations of persecution are a common defense among public officials facing criminal complaints.

“Marami kasi kaming pina-file na mga kaso sa mga public officials at kadalasan ‘yan po talaga ang nagiging sagot nila, na pinapepersecute sila na it’s about politics… Kahit mga mayor, ‘yan po talaga ang fallback nila na depensa,” he said.

Clavano also maintained that the case against Marcoleta is “clear-cut,” citing that evidence submitted during the investigation came from the respondents themselves.

“The facts would speak for themselves. And when you read the case and you listen to the admission, you listen to the interviews, you will see that the case is quite clearcut. Kaya it’s hard to see kung saan po nanggagaling si Sen. Rodante Marcoleta dahil ‘yung ebidensya mismo na ginamit ng ating mga imbestigador ay nanggaling din po sa kanya,” he added.

The Ombudsman clarified that the case is anchored on provisions of the anti-plunder law, Republic Act 7080, which covers a series of criminal acts involving the misuse of public office for personal gain, including bribery and receipt of gifts from private individuals.

Clavano explained that plunder may include combinations of corrupt acts involving both public funds and private transactions.

“Ang definition po ng plunder also includes private funds… ‘yung direct bribery or indirect bribery pag mayroong series non that can also comprise plunder and direct bribery coming from a private individual to comprise a plunder. And direct bribery coming from a private individual can also be considered corruption,” he said.

In response to Marcoleta’s claim that he is being silenced or targeted ahead of political proceedings, the Ombudsman reiterated that it does not interfere with political processes and only acts based on evidence.

“Is it our mandate to stop cases? Perhaps not. It is our mandate to investigate and prosecute cases,” Clavano said.

“Once evidence is there and in this case the evidence was amply supplied by the respondents themselves our hands are quite tied here. Wala talagang pinipili dito evidence are there and we will always follow the evidence no matter what.“

He added that the office proceeds regardless of political consequences, emphasizing that accountability is essential for public trust and governance.

“We really need the accountability and the certainty of punishment para po matawid natin yung bansa natin,” he said.

“Kawawa na talaga ang taumbayan. Kawawa na rin po ang ekonomiya natin. Kaya ang ginagawa namin dito sa Office of the Ombudsman ay para sa taumbayan, para gumanda naman ang buhay natin lahat,” Clavano added.

On Monday, Ombudsman Remulla announced that plunder charges would be filed before the Sandiganbayan this week against Marcoleta over the alleged non-disclosure of ₱75 million in campaign contributions during the 2025 elections.

As of 5:30 p.m., the rally on EDSA continues as supporters of Marcoleta express opposition to the planned filing of charges.