Marcoleta should face legal process in plunder case—Palace

Malacañang on Tuesday rejected Senator Rodante Marcoleta’s claim that his possible arrest would derail efforts to uncover alleged irregularities in flood control projects, saying the lawmaker should instead allow the justice system to take its course.

The Palace issued the statement after thousands of people gathered along EDSA in support of Marcoleta, who earlier said his possible arrest would prevent him from pursuing his advocacy against alleged corruption, including his scrutiny of flood control projects.

Speaking at a Palace press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the issue involving Marcoleta centers on his own admission that he received P75 million from three donors while he was serving as congressman.

“Ang kaso na sa ngayon ay kinakaharap niya ay galing sa kanya mismo, ang admissions. Inamin po niya na tumanggap siya ng P75 million mula sa tatlong donors. Doon lamang po umiikot ang kaso," she said.

(The case he is now facing stems from his own admissions. He admitted receiving P75 million from three donors. That is the sole basis of the case.)

Marcoleta has maintained that the money did not come from government funds.

Responding to this, Castro cited provisions of the country’s anti-plunder law, saying the offense is not limited to the alleged misappropriation of public funds.

“Sa plunder law natin… ang nakapaloob sa ‘ill-gotten wealth’ ay by receiving, directly or indirectly, any commission, gift, share, percentage, kickbacks or any other form of pecuniary benefit from any person or entity in connection with any government contract or project or by reason of the office or position of the public officer concerned.”

(Under the Plunder Law, ‘ill-gotten wealth’ includes receiving, directly or indirectly, any commission, gift, share, percentage, kickback, or any other pecuniary benefit from any person or entity in connection with any government contract or project or by reason of the public officer’s office or position.)

Castro also disputed Marcoleta’s assertion that his possible arrest would effectively halt efforts to expose alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

“Hindi po siya nag-iisa. Dahil ang administrasyong ito ay gusto rin malaman ang lahat ng katotohanan at gusto mapanagot ang lahat ng sangkot," she added. (He is not alone. This administration also wants to know the whole truth and hold everyone involved accountable.)

She added that the investigation into the flood control projects does not depend on a single individual.

“Kung sasabihin niya po na siya lang ang daan para mapatunayan ang mga pangyayari, hindi po siya nag-iisa.” (If he is saying that he alone can uncover the truth, that is not the case.)

Castro said journalists, resource persons, and other witnesses can continue helping establish the facts even without Senate hearings.

The Palace spokesperson urged Marcoleta to allow the legal process to proceed instead of resorting to public demonstrations.

“Bakit hindi natin paganahin ang justice system natin at hayaan natin ang proseso? Kung ito naman po ay kanyang madedepensahan nang maayos dahil sa kanyang mga ebidensya, mas maganda po na ang hustisya ang siyang humatol, hindi sa pamamagitan ng pagra-rally na naaapektuhan ang iba nating kababayan na hindi naman sangkot sa kaso na kanyang kinakaharap," she said.

(Why don’t we allow our justice system to work and let the legal process take its course? If he can properly defend himself with evidence, it is better for justice to decide the case than through rallies that affect fellow Filipinos who are not involved in the case.)

Castro likewise noted that Marcoleta himself had previously expressed confidence in the Philippine justice system, saying he should now allow the courts and other legal institutions to resolve the matter.

The undersecretary further noted that the President has no hand in any possible case against Marcoleta.

“Hindi po ito hawak ng Pangulo. Nasa Ombudsman.” (This is not under the President’s authority. It is with the Ombudsman.)

Asked whether the Palace found it appropriate for the Ombudsman to publicly disclose a possible case against Marcoleta before charges have been filed, Castro said the matter is for the anti-graft body’s discretion.

“Hindi po natin hawak ang Office of the Ombudsman kung ano ang kanilang magiging statement," she added.” (We do not control the statements the Office of the Ombudsman issues.) —LDF, GMA News