The Office of the Ombudsman said Tuesday that the protest staged by members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) along EDSA will not affect its investigation or the possible filing of a plunder case against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta.
Speaking at a news briefing, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the Ombudsman’s constitutional mandate is to investigate complaints and determine whether criminal charges should be filed based on available evidence.
Clavano said the Ombudsman and the INC both advocate transparency and accountability, but stressed that the agency must carry out its legal responsibilities regardless of public demonstrations.
According to Clavano, the evidence supporting the investigation, including elements necessary to establish the case, came from the admissions of the respondents themselves, including Marcoleta.
He also explained that the alleged source of the funds does not automatically remove the case from the scope of the Anti-Plunder Law.
Clavano said a plunder case may still apply even if the money involved came from private donations rather than public funds.
He noted that a similar situation had occurred in the plunder case filed against former President Joseph Estrada, where private funds were also cited.
Clavano also rejected claims that the possible plunder case was connected to the number of votes cast by Marcoleta during the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
He emphasized that the investigation is independent of the senator’s participation in the impeachment process.
The assistant ombudsman further clarified that no warrant of arrest has been issued against Marcoleta.
He said any arrest warrant, if warranted, would only be issued by a court after the appropriate legal proceedings.
The Ombudsman maintained that its investigation will continue in accordance with its mandate and based on the evidence gathered.
