Senator Rodante Marcoleta can still take part in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte scheduled for Monday, July 6, according to Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian.
Marcoleta Remains a Senator Until Arrest Warrant
Gatchalian explained that Marcoleta retains his senatorial status because the Sandiganbayan has not yet issued a final decision on whether to release an arrest warrant against him for the plunder case filed by the Ombudsman. “As of now, he is still a senator. We cannot preempt the court’s ruling,” Gatchalian said.
Judicial Process Allows Defense
When asked about the possible issuance of an arrest warrant, Gatchalian stressed that the Senate cannot interfere with the Sandiganbayan’s decision. He noted that Marcoleta still has the opportunity to present his defense and explain his side before the court as part of the judicial process.
Plunder Charges Filed on July 3
On Friday, July 3, the Ombudsman formally filed plunder charges against Marcoleta and three others over an alleged P75 million in undeclared campaign donations during his 2025 senatorial campaign. Despite the charges, Gatchalian affirmed that Marcoleta’s participation in the impeachment trial remains lawful until a warrant is served.
