Sen. Rodante Marcoleta Maintains Innocence vs. Possible Plunder Case
RODANTE MARCOLETA – The minority Senator expressed his willingness to be arrested amid the possible filing of plunder case against him.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla claimed that he will file plunder charges against Sen. Marcoleta this week before the Sandiganbayan. It is over the undeclared campaign donations to the Senator.
Marcoleta, a former member of the House of Representatives, admitted to receiving a total of P75 million as campaign donations to him. The said amount was not declared in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth.
Amid the issue, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta claims that he is willing to face arrest and imprisonment. Immediately, the members of Iglesia ni Cristo rallied behind the Senator.
Thousands of INC members joined the surprise rally to show their support to Sen. Marcoleta. Some of his fellow minority senators also joined the INC members in the protest rally. Malacañang said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. respects the Filipino’s right to conduct rallies.
According to Palace press officer Atty. Claire Castro, what the government wants is that the rallyist should coordinate with the government regarding their protest. Marcos Jr. ordered “maximum tolerance” on the INC surprise rally and wants everything to return to normal soon.
Sen. Rodante Marcoleta also appeared at the INC surprise rally that was launched to support him. Based on News5, at the rally, the minority Senator maintained his innocence amid the possible filing of plunder charges against him.
“Hindi ko na po ipaliliwanag ang technicality kung papaano nila inimbento ang isang gawa-gawang asunto laban sa akin,” Marcoleta said.
Furthermore, based on the report, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta also expressed his willingness to be arrested. According to him, he is ready to face it if it is the consequence of allegedly fighting for what is right.
“Kung kinakailangang maaresto po ako, wala pong problema, kung ito po ang kabayarang hinihingi para ipagtanggol ko ang katarungan,” the Senator expressed.
Presidential sister and Sen. Imee Marcos also joined the INC rally wherein she slammed the government led by his own brother, Pres. Bongbong Marcos.