Sen. Rodante Marcoleta said he is preparing a draft ethics complaint against Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson over what he described as an alleged false narrative involving his remarks on the Kalayaan Island Group.
In an interview, Marcoleta said the complaint has not yet been filed but a draft is currently being reviewed. He said he is considering pursuing the complaint after Lacson allegedly released a narrative that did not accurately reflect his statements, which he said led to concern among some residents of the Kalayaan Island Group.
Marcoleta said he believes the matter should not be ignored because it involved statements attributed to him that he said he did not make. He maintained that public officials have a responsibility to present accurate information and avoid misleading the public.
He added that senators are expected to tell the truth and avoid any form of deception, noting that the public looks to elected leaders for guidance.
Marcoleta did not specify when the complaint might be formally filed but confirmed that preparation of the document is ongoing.
There was no immediate response from Lacson at the time of the interview regarding the planned complaint and the alleged misrepresentation.
If filed, the complaint would be submitted to the appropriate Senate body that handles ethics concerns involving members of the chamber.
The issue centers on differing accounts of statements related to the Kalayaan Island Group and how those remarks were publicly presented.
Further developments are expected once the complaint is formally submitted and reviewed under Senate procedures.
