Manila: Malaca±ang has called on Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and former lawmaker Michael Defensor to address the allegations leveled against them in court, emphasizing the administration's respect for judicial processes and its non-interference in the nation's justice system.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Sandiganbayan issued arrest orders for Marcoleta, Defensor, and two businessmen in connection with a non-bailable plunder case involving PHP75 million in undeclared campaign donations. Marcoleta demonstrated good faith by surrendering to the anti-graft court's jurisdiction on Monday, following the denial of his motion to quash the charges.
In a Palace briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. respects the rule of law. 'Kung iyan po ang isinasaad at sinasabi ng batas at iyan naman po ang kautusan ng korte, iyan naman po ay irerespeto ng Pangulo (If that is what the law provides and that is the order of the court, then the President will respect it),' Castro affirmed.
The charges against Marcoleta have stirred political controversy, with some supporters and Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) members disputing the accusations and alleging 'selective justice.' In response to Defensor's comments that they were detained before 'the real thieves of the public coffers,' Castro urged those seeking accountability to promptly provide concrete evidence to authorities.
'Iyon nga po, sana po ay minadali din nila ang pagbibigay ng mga ebidensiya - kongkretong ebidensiya, hindi lang puro pa-media (We only wish they had hastened the submission of evidence - concrete evidence, not merely statements made through the media),' Castro remarked.
'Mas magkakaroon po ng resolusyon at ng solusyon kung sila ay nagsumite kaagad ng mga kongkretong ebidensiya para kung sino iyong mga tao na nais nilang papanagutin ay napanagot na po sana, nadala na po sana sa korte ang mga kasong kanilang idudulog (There would have been a quicker resolution and solution if they had immediately submitted concrete evidence so that those they wanted held accountable could have already been charged and brought before the courts),' she added.
Addressing Defensor's claim that the charges against him and Marcoleta lack legal foundation, Castro encouraged them to defend themselves in the judicial arena. 'Sa korte na lamang po nila ito gawin at depensahan (They should simply defend themselves in court),' she stated.
While Castro refrained from speculating on potential protests by the INC following the arrest order, she noted the religious group's historical respect for the rule of law. Last week, thousands of INC members gathered at EDSA to protest the alleged 'selective justice' under the current administration and to express their support for Marcoleta, a member of the religious organization.
The Palace has consistently denied allegations of selective justice, asserting that legal cases are being independently handled by the courts and other constitutional entities.
