Marcoleta: Even arrest, imprisonment won’t stop me

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Rodante Marcoleta on Tuesday said he would continue efforts to expose individuals allegedly involved in anomalous flood control projects even if he is arrested and jailed.

In a video message released following a gathering of 18 “ex-bagmen” of former lawmaker Zaldy Co who aired allegations related to the controversial flood control projects, Marcoleta claimed that legal cases had been used against him and said that an arrest warrant could be issued against him in the coming days.

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“It is possible that one day, we do not know whether today, tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow, a warrant of arrest may be served on me so that I may be arrested,” Marcoleta said in Filipino.

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“But please do not worry. Even if they arrest and imprison me, like what I say, I will not stop,” he added.

Marcoleta said the testimonies presented during Tuesday’s gathering were originally intended to be heard during what he described as the final hearing of the Senate blue ribbon committee’s inquiry into alleged flood control anomalies.

According to him, the June 11 hearing did not push through because of a reported security threat at the Senate, prompting participants to instead publicly air their allegations.

This came despite the June 3 Senate leadership change, which saw Sen. Erwin Tulfo assume the chairmanship of the blue ribbon committee.

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‘Fabricated cases’

Marcoleta also claimed that he had become the subject of what he described as fabricated cases because of his involvement in the issue.

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“And because of that, many people became angry with me, and I was even charged with cases that are all fabricated,” he said.

His remarks came after the Sandiganbayan issued a precautionary hold departure order against him, former Quezon City representative Mike Defensor, Aristotle Baluyut Viray, and Joseph Varias Espiritu in connection with plunder and indirect bribery complaints linked to alleged campaign donations worth P75 million.

The Office of the Ombudsman earlier recommended the filing of plunder and indirect bribery charges against the respondents, while Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the evidence against Marcoleta was based on the senator’s own public statements regarding campaign contributions he received during the 2025 elections.

Marcoleta has denied wrongdoing and previously described the complaints against him as an attempt to “punish dissent.” /gsg

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