Plunder charges vs. Marcoleta show gov't won't be cowed by INC protests — Palace

The government has stated that the filing of plunder charges against prominent Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) member and Senator Rodante Marcoleta shows that it will not blink or cower to protests from the religious group. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said, “The government, investigators, and our courts do not need to be pressured by other groups.” Senator Marcoleta was charged with plunder before the Sandiganbayan (anti-graft court) for allegedly receiving P75 million in undeclared campaign donations during his 2025 senatorial run. Also charged were three private individuals, including former congressman Mike Defensor. The filing comes after a three-day protest mounted by the INC in EDSA and Liwasang Bonifacio, decrying what they call selective justice by singling out Marcoleta for being a vocal critic of the administration. However, Malacañang is sticking to its line of accountability, expressing confidence that the INC will not mount another protest or attempt to prevent the service of a warrant against Marcoleta. Castro expressed solidarity with calls for transparency and accountability but urged the group to allow the rule of law and legal processes to run their course. “If that happens, it’s as if they are dictating to the investigating bodies and the executive branch to act according to their wishes. We do not see that happening now because groups today know that we must follow the law. Whatever the law says, whatever the process says, we should just let it run,” she added. Meanwhile, Malacañang called out Mike Defensor, who claimed in a social media post that President Bongbong Marcos also received millions in campaign donations who were later appointed to senior government positions. According to Castro, there is no comparison because, firstly, Marcos was a private citizen at the time, while Marcoleta was not, and secondly, Marcos made a full declaration of such donations while Marcoleta did not. Allegations of corruption and misconduct against politicians and public officials often draw significant public attention in the Philippines, sometimes leading to large-scale protests. The involvement of influential religious organizations like the INC can further complicate such situations. The government’s stance on prioritizing law enforcement and resisting pressure from any group is likely to draw scrutiny both domestically and internationally.