SAGIP Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta (left), Vice President Sara Duterte (Contributed photo)

SAGIP Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta kept a resolute tone despite his removal from five prominent committees in one fell swoop during House plenary session Wednesday, Sept. 25. 

"Inalis na ako kagabi (I was removed last night) before the House went for a break," Marcoleta said on Thursday, Sept. 26. 

"This is the price i have to pay for upholding established rules and for consistently adhering to the principles that the House of the People stand and fight for!" he added, the emphasis his. 

While Marcoleta didn't elaborate, his remarks appeared to allude to his taking up the cudgels for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) during the just-concluded budget process in the House. 

During the Committee on Appropriations' deliberations on the OVP's proposed 2025 budget last Sept. 10, the SAGiP lawmaker was the one who motioned to terminate the discussions early. 

Before this, he made am impassioned speech to the panel about now House members should cherish and maintain its traditions, such as extending parliamentary courtesy to the OVP under Vice President Sara Duterte. 

BUT FIRST, READ THIS: 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/9/25/marcoleta-stripped-of-juicy-committee-memberships 

However, a colleague of his objected to the motion, paving the way for a vote wherein his motion was ultimately defeated by the majority. 

Last Wednesday, the plenary approved a motion to yank Marcoleta from the Commission on Appointments (CA), as well as the Committees on Energy, Justice, Public Accounts, and Constitutional Amendments. He was replaced in these panels by Manjla Teachers Party-list Rep. Virgilio Lacson. 

The week prior, Marcoleta was stripped of his position as vice chairman of the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability. 

The congressmen began a six-week recess following Wednesday's session.