Ombudsman Remulla denies Marcoleta being singled out in plunder case

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has denied that Senator Rodante Marcoleta is being singled out in the Ombudsman’s expected filing of criminal charges, saying the anti-graft body’s actions are based solely on merit.

Remulla made the statement on Tuesday during a Field Investigation Course activity, amid the first day of the ongoing protest by members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) along EDSA protesting the anticipated filing of plunder and related charges against Marcoleta.

The charges stem from allegations that Marcoleta failed to declare P75 million in supposed campaign donations he allegedly received as a public official in January 2025.

“They are all waiting for us to act on complaints, act on cases that have to be filed, are being filed, and will soon be filed. Today, there is a big rally... commotion on EDSA. Our friends from the INC instigated it due to their feeling that Rodante Marcoleta is being singled out among other people,” Remulla said.

“They all know that it is not true. When there is a motu proprio investigation, hindi na inaawat ’yan. Kasi may pupuntahan talaga ’yan,” he added, referring to the Ombudsman's power to initiate a probe on its own initiative.

(You do not stop a motu proprio investigation because it is bound to lead somewhere.)

Ombudsman prosecutors alleged that Marcoleta unjustly enriched himself by accepting the huge donation while serving as a public official, an act prohibited under existing laws.

The Ombudsman also noted that taxes on the donation were paid only in December 2025, nearly 11 months after it was allegedly received in January 2025.

Remulla said he was not the one who initiated the probe.

“I never instructed anybody to conduct such investigation. It was brought up by a team, and the work was good, so I said we will file the case,” he said.

“The evidence is in front of you, might as well bring it to court,” he added.

During the same event, Remulla said public officials, regardless of rank, would not be spared from Ombudsman investigation and prosecution when warranted.

“Mataas man o mababa, tatamaan sa atin pag mali ang ginawa. Pag may naliligaw ng landas, kailangan tayo ang magpakita at ituwid ang landas na bumabaluktot,” Remulla said.

(Regardless of rank, public officials will be held accountable if they commit wrongdoing. If they stray from the right path, it is our duty to help set them straight.)

Remulla said the duty of Ombudsman investigators is not only to investigate erring public officials but also to reinforce the values of integrity and honor in public service.

He added that fair and impartial investigations help strengthen public confidence in government institutions and affirm that no one is above the law.

“That is our mandate and our oath to the nation as public servants,” Remulla said.

The Field Investigation Course aims to strengthen the investigative capabilities of Ombudsman personnel.

The training equips investigators with the knowledge, discipline, and practical skills needed to conduct professional, objective, and evidence-based investigations in pursuit of justice, accountability, and good governance.— MCG, GMA News