Photo from Rodante Marcoleta / FB
Sen. Rodante Marcoleta said he would continue pursuing an inquiry into alleged irregularities in flood control projects despite the possibility of his arrest, appealing to the public for support in a video message released online on Tuesday night.
In the message, Marcoleta addressed the cases that had been filed against him, which he described as fabricated, and claimed a warrant of arrest could be issued “anytime.”
He did not provide details on the nature or status of the cases, and there have been no further official updates confirming any pending arrest.
“Hindi kami titigil hanggat hindi natin natutukoy ang mga taong ito,” Marcoleta said, referring to individuals he alleges are behind anomalies in government flood control projects.
His remarks came after the Sandiganbayan placed him, former Quezon City representative Mike Defensor, and others under a precautionary hold departure order over plunder and indirect bribery complaints linked to an alleged P75 million in campaign contributions, following a recommendation by the Office of the Ombudsman, which cited Marcoleta’s own public statements on donations during the 2025 elections.
The senator’s remarks also followed the cancellation of a planned June 11 hearing linked to a “blue ribbon” inquiry. Marcoleta earlier attributed the cancellation to a reported security threat at the Senate, which led to a work-from-home directive for staff.
However, Senate leadership, under Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, has since addressed the issue, saying security measures in the Senate have been strengthened, including the deployment of additional personnel.
Testimonies from a group of former soldiers, dubbed as —originally intended for presentation during the hearing—were instead delivered through a public statement earlier in the day.
The testimonies allege large-scale corruption, including the distribution of cash in suitcases to various individuals and officials, however these claims remain unverified and have not been the subject of formal findings by any Senate committee.
Despite uncertainties surrounding the inquiry, Marcoleta urged the public to remain supportive and united, framing the issue as a matter of national interest.
“Pansamantala lang naman siguro ang hindi tayo magkikita ng harapan,” he said, adding that efforts to hold those responsible accountable would continue.
