Senator Rodante Marcoleta on Tuesday asserted that the upcoming plunder charges against him are a deliberate attempt to prevent his participation in the impending impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Criticizing the announced charges by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, Marcoleta labeled the legal move as politically driven and aimed at silencing individuals who speak out against alleged corruption.
He claimed the timing was highly calculated given that the impeachment process against Duterte is slated to kick off next week.
”Ngunit kapag ako’y kanilang inaresto, hindi na po matutuloy ‘yan. Akala po nila ay maililibing ito sa limot,” Marcoleta said in a video statement posted on his official Facebook page.
”Samakatuwid, dalawang ibon sa isang putok,” he said.
The lawmaker questioned the fairness of the investigation, pointing out that a complaint filed against former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez has not moved forward.
He also criticized the prosecution’s decision to utilize a former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) official as a state witness instead of holding them accountable.
Furthermore, Marcoleta suggested that the legal offensive had been orchestrated long ago, recalling past warnings from Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson that some senators would eventually face jail time.
Despite the threat of immediate detention, the senator vowed to maintain his duties.
”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,” he said.
Marcoleta also turned his criticisms toward Remulla, accusing the Ombudsman of twisting the law and calling on the public to reject the weaponization of the justice system.
The statement followed Remulla’s announcement on Monday that the Office of the Ombudsman is set to formally file the plunder case before the Sandiganbayan within the week.