Malacañang, on Tuesday, June 30, said the legal process should be allowed to proceed in the case involving Senator Rodante Marcoleta, as thousands of Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) members gathered along EDSA. This is amid claims linking his possible arrest to broader political issues, including the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer and Undersecretary Claire Castro responded to questions regarding Marcoleta’s statements that his possible arrest would allegedly halt his anti-corruption advocacy and investigations into flood control controversies.
Castro clarified that the case being referred to stems from an alleged ₱75 million donation, which she said is based on admissions made by the senator himself.
“Yung pangyayaring ito, ito ay patungkol sa 75 million pesos na dinonate sa kanya. Ang kaso na sa ngayon ay kinakaharap niya ay galing sa kanya mismo ang admissions. Ang pagsabi at sabi niya naging truthful siya, umamin siyang tumanggap siya ng 75 million pesos mula sa tatlong donors. So doon lamang po iikot yung kaso,” Castro said.
She explained that while the senator has argued that the funds were not government money, the case is being examined under the provisions of the Anti-Plunder Law, which includes ill-gotten wealth obtained through gifts, commissions, or benefits received by a public official in connection with their position.
“Sa kasong plunder… ang nakapaloob sa ill-gotten wealth ay by receiving directly or indirectly any commission, gift, share, percentage, kickbacks, or any other form of pecuniary benefit… Inamin po niya na tumanggap siya ng 75 million pesos habang siya ay congressman,” she added.
Castro emphasized that the justice system should be allowed to take its course, noting that the senator himself has previously expressed confidence in the country’s legal processes.
“Mas maganda po na ang hustisya ang siyang humatol. Hindi sa pamamagitan ng pagrarally na naapektuhan ang iba nating kababayan na hindi naman sangkot sa kaso,” she said.
She also urged the public to allow due process to proceed, stressing that legal proceedings should not be influenced by mass actions or political pressure.
The Palace maintained that any case involving public officials must be resolved through evidence and proper judicial channels, as authorities continue to monitor the situation surrounding the ongoing public demonstrations.
