Lawmaker sees Marcoleta’s imminent plunder case as ‘selective justice’

MANILA, Philippines — Batangas First District Rep. Leandro Leviste has described the imminent filing of non-bailable plunder charges against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta “selective justice,” noting that those involved in the flood control corruption must be held accountable.

Leviste said this in an ambush interview with reporters as he, along with his around 200 constituents, arrived at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Ermita, Manila, on Tuesday afternoon.

The lawmaker and his group were participating in the rally of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) in support of Marcoleta.

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“I believe that it is conspicuously selective to focus on Sen. Marcoleta while many commitments in the flood control investigation have not yet been fulfilled,” Leviste said.

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“Those who allege that Sen. Marcoleta received illegal donations for his campaign are very hypocritical,” he pointed out.

“As far as I can tell, there are many congressmen and senators who not only receive illegal campaign donations, but also have their campaigns funded by flood control,” he said.

READ: From endorsement to protest: Iglesia ni Cristo stands by Marcoleta

Leviste also mentioned that Atty. Jerry Manalo, the legal adviser for the first district of Batangas, organized the travel for the 200 residents from Batangas to Metro Manila.

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READ: Several arrested during INC rally on EDSA

According to Allan Tabangay, coordinator of Batangas’ first district, the 200 individuals came from the cities of Nasugbu, Balayan, Lian and Calatagan.

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He said they took buses to reach the rally site and participate in the activity.

“We are volunteers – volunteers who join the call of the Iglesia ni Cristo to stop corruption, hold those who should be held accountable,” Tabangay said in an interview with the Inquirer.

After Leviste gave a speech during a program at the Liwasang Bonifacio, the Batangas residents set up tents, saying they intend to stay on the premises until the rally ends.

The INC demonstration—which also took place along the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, or Edsa—came a day after the Office of the Ombudsman announced that it is set to file non-bailable plunder charges against Marcoleta this week.

The cases are in connection with his supposed P75 million undeclared campaign donations in the 2025 senatorial elections. /apl

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