Senator Imee Marcos asserted that the current 13-member Senate majority bloc is being targeted due to a successive 'case buildup' and cases being prepared against them. According to Marcos, they are receiving calls and text messages from the Ombudsman, Department of Justice (DOJ), and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) indicating that a case buildup is underway against them, and that unnamed agencies are being ordered to act.
Marcos Lists Colleagues Facing Alleged Cases
Marcos pointed out that the cases linked to their group seem to be coming one after another and growing heavier. She named Senators Rodante Marcoleta, Jinggoy Estrada, Joel Villanueva, Chiz Escudero, and siblings Camille Villar and Mark Villar as among those facing or being linked to complaints. Also mentioned was Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa, who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court related to alleged involvement in the war on drugs under former President Rodrigo Duterte's administration. Senator Bong Go, she said, may also face the same case after being named as a co-perpetrator of Duterte.
Marcos Questions Motives Behind Alleged Pressure
According to Marcos, she cannot determine whether the actions against their group are politically motivated or a form of pressure. She questioned why the tension and conflict in the Senate are more intense now compared to previous leadership changes. She noted that when their group lost in the past leadership change, where former Senate President Vicente 'Tito' Sotto III assumed the position, they did not complain even though they did not support him.
In conclusion, the senator expressed hope that any alleged 'persecution' against their group would not push through, especially amid the country's current problems.
