Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday said the Office of the Ombudsman will proceed with the filing of plunder charges against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta despite protests staged by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), of which the senator is a member.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the launch of the Development of the Philippine National Anti-Corruption Strategy at the Government Service Insurance System headquarters, Remulla also dismissed allegations that the Ombudsman was engaging in selective justice by prioritizing cases against opposition senators while supposedly sparing administration allies implicated in the flood control controversy.
‘There is no selective justice in this country when it comes to the Ombudsman,’ Remulla said.
Asked whether the Ombudsman would still pursue the case against Marcoleta, Remulla replied: ‘Nothing has changed. We will file.’
The Ombudsman earlier said the charges are expected to be filed within the week.
Marcoleta is expected to face charges of plunder, indirect bribery and violation of Presidential Decree No. 46, which prohibits public officials from directly or indirectly receiving gifts or other valuable consideration in connection with their official functions.
Also expected to be named as respondents are former party-list lawmaker Michael Defensor and businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray.
The case stems from Marcoleta’s admission that he received campaign contributions amounting to P30 million from Defensor, P25 million from Espiritu and P20 million from Viray on various dates in January 2025.
According to the Ombudsman, Marcoleta failed to declare the amounts in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) filed with the Commission on Elections and in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) submitted after he was elected to the Senate. The anti-graft body said the omission constituted unjust enrichment.
Marcoleta has denied the allegations, insisting that the complaint is legally insufficient because it allegedly fails to establish the elements of the offenses charged.
Earlier in the day, Remulla told participants in the Field Investigation Course that no public official, regardless of rank or position, would be spared from investigation and prosecution when evidence of wrongdoing exists.
He urged Ombudsman investigators to remain steadfast in carrying out their duties, emphasizing their role in correcting misconduct and preserving integrity in government service. ‘If someone has gone astray, it is our responsibility to show them the right path and straighten the path that has become crooked,’ Remulla said.
He added that the Ombudsman has the responsibility not only to investigate erring public officials but also to reinforce the values of integrity, accountability and honor in public service.