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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcoleta vows he is 'ready for arrest' as plunder case looms

Marcoleta vows he is 'ready for arrest' as plunder case looms

Published Jul 2, 2026 12:20 pm

At A Glance

  • Speaking before supporters at the EDSA People Power Monument, Senator Rodante Marcoleta said he was prepared to be jailed if it meant defending what he described as justice, the national interest, and the welfare of the Filipino people.
  • Marcoleta denied any wrongdoing, saying the funds cited in the case were private campaign contributions and arguing that the charges do not allege corruption, ill-gotten wealth, or abuse of public office.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta on Wednesday said he is prepared to face arrest if necessary, as he defended himself against the plunder complaint set to be filed against him during a rally at the EDSA People Power Monument.
Addressing supporters gathered for a "Rally for Transparency and Accountability," Marcoleta thanked attendees, including members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo and other supporters, for remaining at the venue despite heavy rain.
Marcoleta said he has always sought to demonstrate what he described as "true and honest public service" and expressed gratitude for the support he has received following the filing of charges against him.
"Nakahanda po akong magpakulong kung kinakailangang maaresto po ako, wala pong problema. Kung ito po ang kabayarang hinihingi para ipagtanggol ko ang katarungan at ang pambansang kagalingan at ang interes ng mamamayang Pilipino (I am prepared to go to jail if I need to be arrested, I have no problem with that. If this is the price required for me to defend justice, the national welfare, and the interests of the Filipino people, then so be it)," he said.
During his speech, Marcoleta read the preamble of the 1987 Constitution, saying it reflected the principles that motivated the gathering.
Marcoleta also denied any wrongdoing, saying the funds cited in the complaint were campaign contributions from friends using their own money.
"Ang ibinibintang nila sa akin ay salaping pantulong para sa kampanya para ako ay manalong isang senador. Mga kaibigan po na pribado at sarili nilang pera ang kanilang itinulong sa akin (What they are accusing me of is campaign funds intended to help me win as a senator. But these were contributions from friends — private individuals using their own money to support me)," he said.
He argued that the allegations against him failed to establish the elements of corruption or abuse of public office.
The senator also questioned why the Office of the Ombudsman was pursuing the case against him instead of investigating the alleged irregularities he had raised.
Marcoleta further claimed that the case against him was politically motivated, describing it as an attempt to target someone exposing what he alleged was large-scale corruption in government.
Without naming a fellow senator, Marcoleta also criticized remarks about "bending the law," telling the crowd that the law should not be interpreted to suit political objectives.

Related Tags

Rodante Marcoleta INC rally plunder case Sandiganbayan
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