Ombudsman Remulla Denies Singling Out Marcoleta in Plunder Case

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has denied that the impending filing of criminal charges against Senator Rodante Marcoleta for plunder and related offenses is an attempt to single him out. Remulla stated that the anti-graft body's actions are based solely on merit. Remulla made these remarks on Tuesday during a Field Investigation Course activity, coinciding with the first day of protests by members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) along EDSA. The INC members are protesting what they perceive as Marcoleta being singled out. "They are all waiting for us to act on complaints, act on cases that have to be filed, are being filed, and will soon be filed. Today, there is a big rally... commotion on EDSA. Our friends from the INC instigated it due to their feeling that Rodante Marcoleta is being singled out among other people," Remulla said. "They all know that it is not true. When there is a motu proprio investigation, hindi na inaawat ’yan. Kasi may pupuntahan talaga ’yan," he added, referring to the Ombudsman's power to initiate a probe on its own initiative, which translates to "You do not stop a motu proprio investigation because it is bound to lead somewhere." Senator Marcoleta is facing allegations of failing to declare P75 million in supposed campaign donations he allegedly received as a public official in January 2025. Ombudsman prosecutors allege that Marcoleta unjustly enriched himself by accepting this substantial donation while serving as a public official, an act prohibited by law. Furthermore, taxes on the donation were reportedly paid only in December 2025, nearly 11 months after it was allegedly received in January 2025. Remulla clarified that he did not initiate the probe himself, but rather it was brought up by a team. He stated, "I never instructed anybody to conduct such investigation. It was brought up by a team, and the work was good, so I said we will file the case." "The evidence is in front of you, might as well bring it to court," he added. During the same event, Remulla said public officials, regardless of rank, will be held accountable if they commit wrongdoing. "Mataas man o mababa, tatamaan sa atin pag mali ang ginawa. Pag may naliligaw ng landas, kailangan tayo ang magpakita at ituwid ang landas na bumabaluktot," he said, meaning that regardless of rank, officials will be caught if they err, and it is the Ombudsman's duty to correct their path. Remulla added that the Ombudsman's duty extends beyond investigating erring public officials to reinforcing integrity and honor in public service. He believes that fair and impartial investigations strengthen public confidence in government institutions and affirm that no one is above the law. "That is our mandate and our oath to the nation as public servants," he asserted. The Field Investigation Course aims to enhance the investigative capabilities of Ombudsman personnel, equipping them with the necessary knowledge, discipline, and practical skills for professional, objective, and evidence-based investigations in pursuit of justice, accountability, and good governance. Source: GMA News Philippines