Manila: Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson on Tuesday called out Senator Rodante Marcoleta for claiming that his impending arrest over plunder charges is linked to the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Marcoleta had alleged that the charges were part of a scheme connected to Lacson's previous comments about the potential arrest and incarceration of nine other senators.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcoleta earlier claimed that the case against him had long been planned, referencing Lacson's remarks from weeks earlier, which suggested that nine more senators could face arrest and jail time. In response, Lacson clarified his statement, emphasizing that his mention of nine senators was hypothetical and aimed at discussing the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds vote from all senators, regardless of their participation in the impeachment trial.

Earlier this month, Lacson expressed concern about the Supreme Court possibly needing to intervene to prevent the Impeachment Court from becoming a mere formality, especially if hypothetically nine out of 24 Senator Judges were detained and suspended, similar to the situation of Senator Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada.

In a Facebook post early Tuesday, Marcoleta accused the Office of the Ombudsman of preparing a plunder case against him to prevent him from exposing corruption and participating in the impeachment trial, scheduled to begin on July 6. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that the case against Marcoleta is "for resolution" and is on the verge of being filed.

The case pertains to PHP75 million in gifts or donations that Marcoleta allegedly received from three individuals in January 2025, during his tenure as a congressman.