Quezon city: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has not received any official communication regarding a supposed arrest warrant against Senator Rodante Marcoleta. "As of now, the PNP has not received any official communication regarding said warrant," PNP information chief and spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co stated during a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized that the police would strictly observe legal protocols and would not implement the arrest without a direct mandate from the courts. "The Philippine National Police has not issued any special operational directive concerning Senator Marcoleta, and we do not act on rumors or unverified information," he asserted. Nartatez underscored the PNP's recognition of the exclusive authority of the courts to issue warrants, affirming that action would be taken only when required by law.
Senator Marcoleta had earlier claimed he received information about a potential arrest warrant related to complaints concerning the alleged non-disclosure of PHP75 million in campaign donations during the 2025 midterm elections. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla commented on the matter, stating he was unaware of any charges filed against Marcoleta, and highlighted that a warrant cannot be issued unless a case has been filed before the appropriate court, such as the Sandiganbayan.
In a related matter addressed during the same press briefing, Col. Co mentioned that the obstruction of justice case against Senator Robinhood Padilla, lodged by the PNP, would remain unaffected despite the Department of Justice (DOJ) returning the complaint due to technicalities. The complaint is associated with the 'escape' of Senator Ronald Dela Rosa from Senate premises while under the chamber's protective custody following an International Criminal Court warrant against him.
"As I understand, this is within the working mechanism of DC (Department Circular) 20, the close coordination and cooperation between the DOJ and law enforcement agencies," Co explained. He added, "So, mayroong kaunting (there is something) lacking. It does not mean anything about the case. It doesn't affect the case at all."
Issued in March 2023, DC 20 mandates prosecutors to take an active role in criminal investigations during the case build-up stage, transitioning their roles from passive evaluators to active collaborators with law enforcement agencies.
