Malacañang rejects claims of executive interference in Marcoleta case

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Friday (Canada time) rejected claims that the executive branch could influence the judiciary in the plunder case against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta.

According to Palace press officer Claire Castro, the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. respects the separation of powers and would not interfere in judicial proceedings.

“First of all, we have the separation of powers. If Sen. Rodante Marcoleta has strong evidence, he can defend his case,” Castro said during a press briefing with Philippine media in Vancouver, Canada.

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READ: P75-M plunder case filed vs Marcoleta, 3 ‘friends’

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“There will be no interference, no strong-arming, and no pressure from the executive. The executive branch and the president respect the decisions of the courts,” Castro said.

The response came after questions on concerns raised by members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) that the courts might not be impartial in handling the case against Marcoleta.

The Office of the Ombudsman on Friday morning filed before the Sandiganbayan the plunder case against Marcoleta and three of his co-accused over a P75 million campaign donation.

This happened a day after the termination of the three-day INC rally in support of their prominent member.

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READ: INC decries raps set vs Marcoleta as ‘selective  justice’

“Let us not immediately cast doubt on whatever decision the court may reach. We are not yet at that stage. The case has only been filed before the Sandiganbayan. It is not right to tarnish our courts and our justice system.,” she said.

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Castro likewise said that the administration is not expecting another “surprise rally” following the filing.

“If that happens, it would be as if they were dictating to the investigating bodies and even to the executive branch how they should act based on what they want,” she added.

She added that the Marcos administration would not yield to pressure from any group. /das

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