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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcoleta says plunder case over P75-M donation meant to keep him out of VP Sara trial

Marcoleta says plunder case over P75-M donation meant to keep him out of VP Sara trial

Published Jun 30, 2026 07:08 am

At A Glance

  • Sen. Rodante Marcoleta criticized the looming plunder case against him, claiming it was politically motivated and intended to prevent him from participating in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial.

Senator Rodante Marcoleta on Tuesday claimed the plunder case set to be filed against him was intended to keep him from participating in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Senator Rodante Marcoleta (Photo from OS Marcoleta Facebook page)
Senator Rodante Marcoleta (Photo from OS Marcoleta Facebook page)

In a statement, Marcoleta criticized the impending case announced by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla, calling it politically motivated and part of a broader effort to silence those exposing alleged corruption.

"Ngunit kapag ako'y kanilang inaresto, hindi na po matutuloy 'yan. Akala po nila ay maililibing ito sa limot (If I am arrested, that will no longer push through. They think this issue will simply be buried in oblivion)," Marcoleta said in a video statement posted on his official Facebook page.

He alleged that the timing of the case was deliberate because the impeachment proceedings against Duterte are scheduled to begin next week.

"Samakatuwid, dalawang ibon sa isang putok (In other words, two birds with one stone)," he said.

Marcoleta also questioned why those he believes were responsible for the alleged irregularities have yet to be prosecuted, while charges are being pursued against him.

He pointed to a complaint filed against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and criticized authorities for allegedly turning a former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) official into a state witness.

The senator likewise suggested the filing of the case had long been planned, citing remarks previously made by Sen. Ping Lacson that several senators could eventually face imprisonment.

Despite the impending charges, Marcoleta said he would continue serving the public.

"Alam kong gagawin nila ito. Alam kong aarestuhin nila ako. Alam kong ikukulong nila ako. Ngunit hindi po dahilan yan para tumigil ako sa paglilingkod sa inyo (I knew they would do this. I knew they would arrest me. I knew they would imprison me. But that is not a reason for me to stop serving you)," he said.

Marcoleta also criticized Remulla, accusing the Ombudsman of being willing to "bend the law" and urging the public not to allow justice to be distorted.

Remulla announced on Monday that the Office of the Ombudsman would file a plunder case against Marcoleta before the Sandiganbayan this week.

Related Tags

Rodante Marcoleta Vice President Sara Duterte Office of the Ombudsman plunder case
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