Iglesia ni Cristo mounts surprise rally to protest possible Marcoleta arrest

MANILA, Philippines – Members of the religious group Iglesia ni Cristo massed in Quezon City on Tuesday, June 30, in support of embattled Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who is under investigation for plunder and facing possible arrest.

The rally led to the temporary closure of White Plains Avenue in Quezon City, along EDSA, due to heavy traffic buildup.

“Senator Marcoleta led the investigation into what is believed to be one of the biggest cases of plunder in our nation’s history. What puzzles us is why he – the one pushing to expose those allegedly involved in this massive theft in the Philippines – is the one being charged and threatened with imprisonment, instead of those who were exposed,” INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala said in a Net25 live broadcast.

“The Iglesia ni Cristo supports what Senator Marcoleta stands for because it is also our position. We call for transparency, accountability, justice, and peace. That is why we want those in authority to hear this: even if they imprison Senator Marcoleta, we will not stop demanding justice for our fellow Filipinos who have been robbed,” he added.

Marcoleta, an INC member, has been facing a plunder complaint before the Ombudsman amid questions on his campaign donations.

He reported spending P112 million for his 2025 senatorial run, but declared no campaign contributions in his documents filed with the Commission on Elections. That’s even though his net worth was only P51 million.

He later acknowledged receiving P75 million in donations but said the funds were given before the official campaign period began. He argued he was not required to make the disclosure before he was considered an official candidate.

While the Commission on Elections said no election rule was violated, as Marcoleta received the amount before he became an official candidate for a Senate seat, the justice department noted that he obtained it while serving as a congressman representing the SAGIP party-list group.

The country’s plunder law, Republic Act No. 7080, is a criminal statute aimed at public officials accused of amassing at least P50 million in ill-gotten wealth, carrying the penalties of life imprisonment and life-time ban from holding public office.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced on Monday, June 29, that his office is set to file plunder charges this week against Marcoleta before the Sandiganbayan, after which the anti-graft court is expected to issue an arrest warrant for the non-bailable case.

A Duterte ally, Marcoleta once led the blue ribbon committee hearings into the flood control corruption scandal, as well as a non-sanctioned meeting after Senator Alan Peter Cayetano was ousted as Senate president. – Rappler.com