Marcoleta asks Senate impeachment court to count his vote in Duterte trial

Detained Senator Rodante Marcoleta has asked the Senate impeachment court to consider his vote in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

On Monday, Senate impeachment court presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero confirmed receipt of a letter from Marcoleta, requesting the court to include his vote in Duterte’s trial.

“The presiding officer and Senate President [Sherwin Gatchalian] are in receipt of a letter of manifestation signed by Senator-judge Marcoleta, citing a rule in the Erap impeachment trial and wanting his vote to be considered,” Escudero said.

Escudero deferred action on the request and referred the letter to the Senate as a legislative body.

“Personally, once we are convened as a Senate legislative body, I am inclined to agree with the suggestion of Senator Marcoleta for as long as there is no suspension accorded to him,” he added.

Marcoleta was arrested after the Sandiganbayan issued an arrest warrant in connection with the P75-million plunder case filed against him over the undeclared campaign donation that the lawmaker received for his 2025 senatorial bid. He is currently detained at the male dormitory of Quezon City Jail in Payatas. –NB, GMA News