Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang said street protests are not the proper way to clear Senator Rodante Marcoleta of possible criminal liability, insisting that any allegations against the lawmaker should be resolved through the courts.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro made the statement after tens of thousands of members of the Iglesia ni Cristo caused traffic gridlock on EDSA to protest what they described as selective justice and to express support for Marcoleta, a member of the religious group, who is facing a possible plunder complaint at the Office of the Ombudsman.
“Ang pagra-rally po ay hindi po sagot para mawala at maabsuwelto agad ang isang tao sa isang kaso. Ang pag-absuwelto ng isang tao ay sa korte, hindi po ito madadaan sa rally.” Castro said.
[Translation: A rally is not the answer to immediately clear a person of a case. Acquittal is decided by the courts, not through street protests.]
Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. respects the right to peaceful assembly and is listening to the protesters’ calls for transparency, accountability and the rule of law, but noted that these are the same principles the administration says it is pursuing.
She added that the president ordered authorities to exercise maximum tolerance while ensuring the safety of the public affected by the demonstration.
The Palace also questioned the need to disrupt public movement over a case that has yet to reach the courts.
“Sana po sa mga nagra-rally, kung ang nais lamang po ninyo ay isagip si Senator Marcoleta, hindi sana dumaan sa ganito na naaapektuhan ang mas marami nating mga kababayan,” Castro said.
[Translation: To those holding the rally, if your only objective is to save Senator Marcoleta, we hope it would not be done in a way that affects far more of our fellow Filipinos.]
Castro said Marcoleta’s possible case stems from his own public admission that he received ₱75 million in funds from three private donors while serving as a party-list representative, and said the legal process should be allowed to proceed.
She also rejected claims that Marcoleta’s possible arrest would derail efforts to expose anomalies in flood control projects.
“Kung sasabihin niya po na siya lang ang daan para mapatunayan ang mga pangyayari, hindi po siya nag-iisa, marami pa po,” the official said.
[Translation: If he is saying that he is the only way to uncover the truth, he is not alone. There are many others who can do that as well.]
