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Advocates Philippines
Ombudsman To Push Through With Plunder Case Against Marcoleta
Photo credit: Ombudsman PH
The Office of the Ombudsman will push through with the planned filing of plunder charges against Senator Rodante Marcoleta despite the ongoing protest by members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) along EDSA, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Wednesday, July 1.
Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy in Pasay City, Remulla said the planned filing of charges remains unchanged despite calls from protesters questioning the case and alleging selective justice.
"Nothing has changed, we will file, we will file, walang magbabago… Basta ang sa akin lang, we will do our job, gagawin namin ang trabaho namin," Remulla said.
He stressed that the demonstrations would not influence the Ombudsman's actions, saying the office would continue carrying out its constitutional mandate.
While acknowledging the protesters' right to express their views, Remulla dismissed claims that the case against Marcoleta was politically motivated.
"Freedom of expression nila 'yan, pero it's the wrong premise," he said.
He also rejected allegations of selective justice, saying, "There is no selective justice in this country when it comes to the Ombudsman."
The Ombudsman said it intends to file the plunder charges against Marcoleta this week but declined to disclose additional details, citing the pending filing of the case.
The complaint stems from the Ombudsman's investigation into the alleged receipt of ₱75 million in campaign donations during the 2025 elections that were reportedly not declared in Marcoleta's Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE). Investigators have also recommended filing an indirect bribery charge against the senator, although Remulla has not confirmed whether that charge will be included.
Marcoleta has denied any wrongdoing.
Members of the Iglesia ni Cristo began holding protests along EDSA on June 30 in support of the senator, urging authorities to reconsider the planned charges. Despite the demonstrations, Remulla maintained that the Ombudsman would proceed with the case and continue performing its duties in accordance with the law.
Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy in Pasay City, Remulla said the planned filing of charges remains unchanged despite calls from protesters questioning the case and alleging selective justice.
"Nothing has changed, we will file, we will file, walang magbabago… Basta ang sa akin lang, we will do our job, gagawin namin ang trabaho namin," Remulla said.
He stressed that the demonstrations would not influence the Ombudsman's actions, saying the office would continue carrying out its constitutional mandate.
While acknowledging the protesters' right to express their views, Remulla dismissed claims that the case against Marcoleta was politically motivated.
"Freedom of expression nila 'yan, pero it's the wrong premise," he said.
He also rejected allegations of selective justice, saying, "There is no selective justice in this country when it comes to the Ombudsman."
The Ombudsman said it intends to file the plunder charges against Marcoleta this week but declined to disclose additional details, citing the pending filing of the case.
The complaint stems from the Ombudsman's investigation into the alleged receipt of ₱75 million in campaign donations during the 2025 elections that were reportedly not declared in Marcoleta's Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE). Investigators have also recommended filing an indirect bribery charge against the senator, although Remulla has not confirmed whether that charge will be included.
Marcoleta has denied any wrongdoing.
Members of the Iglesia ni Cristo began holding protests along EDSA on June 30 in support of the senator, urging authorities to reconsider the planned charges. Despite the demonstrations, Remulla maintained that the Ombudsman would proceed with the case and continue performing its duties in accordance with the law.
Jul 1, 2026
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