Palace denies accusation of 'selective justice' in Marcoleta's case

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Tuesday brushed off claims made by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) that there is “selective justice” under the Marcos administration.

The statement from the religious sect came after it confirmed staging a protest at the Edsa People Power Monument in support of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who might reportedly face a non-bailable plunder case.

READ: Marcoleta: Plunder case meant to keep me off Duterte impeach trial

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“At present, there is no selective justice under the administration of President Marcos Jr. In fact, even friends and allies have been jailed or detained first, and are now facing plunder and graft cases,” said Palace Press Officer Claire Castro in a briefing.

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“So, we could probably say it is selective justice if influence, violence, or intimidation are used just so that an ally will not be charged. That is what selective justice is,” she added.

The Palace official said she sees no connection between the flood control investigation and Marcoleta’s looming plunder case.

The senator served as chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and led a subcommittee that investigated alleged anomalies and corruption in flood control projects.

READ: INC airs support for Marcoleta, hits ‘selective justice’

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“First of all, it was Senator Marcoleta who admitted everything regarding the 75 million pesos he received from three donors,” Castro recalled.

She noted, “No one ordered him to explain it. It just so happened that his SALN (Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth) and SOCE (Statements of Contributions and Expenditures) did not match.”

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“If this refers to the idea that he can no longer reveal the truth about the flood control mess, then he is not alone, because this administration also wants to know the full truth, and wants all those involved to be held accountable,” she said.

The campaign donations, totaling P75 million, came from former lawmaker Mike Defensor, Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray, who allegedly donated P30 million, P20 million, and P25 million.

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Marcoleta has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the donations were private funds and had already been spent for election-related purposes before his SALN was filed. /apl