Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta launched a fiery tirade against Congress on Thursday, April 10, during a well-attended rally at the Ormoc City Superdome. In a speech that blended political conviction with populist fervor, Marcoleta came out swinging in defense of Vice President Sara Duterte, calling out what he described as unjust scrutiny of her confidential funds.
Facing a large crowd, Marcoleta declared that the Philippines is a divided nation, suggesting that partisan politics has tainted the legislative process. He criticized the House of Representatives for what he said was an overreach in examining Duterte’s budget.
VP Sara Duterte’s Funds ‘Unfairly Targeted’
According to Marcoleta, over 400 government offices currently manage confidential funds. Yet, he pointed out, only the funds under the Office of the Vice President (OVP) are facing heavy political fire. He argued there is no legal basis for Congress to audit these funds, emphasizing that only the Commission on Audit (COA) has the authority to review them.
Marcoleta claimed the investigation into Duterte’s confidential funds is not part of any legislative purpose. Instead, he said, it appears to be politically motivated, raising concerns over selective accountability.
He told the audience that the attack on Duterte is part of a broader issue plaguing national politics. In his words, this is not legislation in action, but an orchestrated effort to undermine the vice president.
Lawmaker Gains Support in Leyte
Marcoleta’s remarks resonated with the audience, many of whom showed open support for Duterte. The rally, which drew in hundreds of local supporters, underscored the enduring popularity of the Duterte name in Leyte and other regions of the Visayas.
While the debate over confidential funds continues to stir controversy nationwide, Marcoleta’s appearance in Ormoc highlights the growing resistance to what some politicians see as unfair treatment of the Vice President.
The lawmaker has long aligned himself with nationalist and conservative causes. His support for Duterte further cements his role as a key defender of the current administration’s allies. Though critics often accuse Marcoleta of being overly combative, his remarks in Ormoc were met with cheers and applause.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.