Senate Deputy Minority Leader Rodante Marcoleta took to the floor on Wednesday, May 7, to slam Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson for allegedly tarnishing his integrity through unverified claims of multi-million peso fund allocations.
The dispute stems from allegations raised by Lacson, who chairs the Blue Ribbon Committee, suggesting that Marcoleta sought ₱1.5 billion in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects in exchange for confirming Secretary Manuel Bonoan at the Commission on Appointments.
Lacson claimed only ₱500 million was eventually granted, though Marcoleta countered that no documentary proof was ever offered to back this up.
Marcoleta specifically criticized a presentation used by Lacson that linked his name to a ₱500 million entry under “allocables” and “leadership funds.”
“Putol, hindi buo, walang sapat na konteksto,” Marcoleta said.
He argued that the presentation was designed to create a false narrative rather than find the truth.
“Hindi na po ito paghahanap ng katotohanan. Ito ay pagpapalutang ng duda sa pamamagitan ng isang palabas,” he added.
Defending his actions, Marcoleta maintained that endorsing projects to executive agencies is a standard part of the legislative process and does not constitute a crime. He noted that such funds are managed by the executive branch, not by the lawmakers themselves.
He further claimed he was being selectively targeted, noting that others mentioned in sworn statements were omitted from the committee’s scrutiny.
The senator also explained his refusal to sign the Blue Ribbon Committee’s partial report, citing concerns over its fairness.
“I haven’t signed the report not because I don’t advocate for accountability, but because the report itself is incomplete and thus could be biased,” he said.
Marcoleta concluded by warning that forcing members to sign an incomplete report compromises the Senate’s integrity and could be a maneuver to prematurely end the investigation.