By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang on Friday (Canada time) said Sen. Rodante Marcoleta will have the opportunity to defend himself in court following the filing of plunder charges against him by the Office of the Ombudsman.
Speaking to reporters at Sutton Place Hotel, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration remains firm in its policy of holding accountable those involved in alleged corruption, regardless of status or political affiliation.
“Ang Pangulo naman po at ang administrasyon na ito, ang polisiya ay managot ang dapat managot. Dapat nating linisin ang anumang isyu ng korapsyon sa ating gobyerno at sa ating bansa,” Usec. Castro said.
She stressed that Sen. Marcoleta would be accorded due process and would have the chance to respond to the allegations against him before the proper forum. And added that the legal process must be allowed to proceed without interference.
“Kung kailangang may managot at kung kailangan man niyang depensahan ang kaniyang sarili ay magagawa naman ito ni Senator Marcoleta,” Usec. Castro said.
Also, she rejected suggestions that the case is being influenced by public pressure of political mobilization, including reported plans by supporters to stage protests.
She said government agencies, including investigating bodies and courts, will continue to fulfill their mandate independently despite external pressures.
“Hindi naman po kailangan magpa-pressure ang gobyerno at ang mga nag-iimbestiga, pati na po ang mga korte natin sa mga pressure ng ibang mga grupo,” Usec. Castro said.
“Sa mga may balak na i-pressure ang gobyerno, huwag niyo na po itong ipilit. Huwag niyo na po itong gawin dahil muli, hindi matutulog ang gobyerno, hindi rin matutulog ang investigating bodies, pati na po ang korte para mapanagot ang dapat mapanagot.”
Usec. Castro also dismissed concerns that possible protests would affect the proceedings, saying there is no indication that such actions would derail the legal proceedings.
She emphasized the importance of respecting the judiciary and allowing the Sandiganbayan to resolve the case.
“Nandoon pa lang po sa pag-file ng case sa Sandiganbayan. So, hindi po maganda na bigyan natin ng dungis ang ating mga korte, ang ating justice system,” Usec. Castro said.
Usec. Castro said the executive branch respects the principle of separation of powers, ensuring that it will not interfere in court proceedings.
“Unang-una po, may separation of powers. Kung malakas po ang ebidensya ni Senator Marcoleta, kaya niya po itong panindigan,” she said.
“Walang pang-iimpluwensya, walang pambabraso, walang pangpe-pressure na gagawin ang Ehekutibo dahil ang Ehekutibo at ang Pangulo ay ginagalang po ang desisyon ng korte. Huwag po kaagad nating bigyan ng malisya kung ano ang magiging desisyon ng korte dahil wala pa po sa puntong ‘yun,” she added.
The Ombudsman filed a plunder case against Marcoleta before the Sandiganbayan in connection with undeclared P75 million in campaign contributions he received in January 2025 but did not report in his official filings.
