Senator Panfilo Lacson has expressed concerns that the plunder case against Senator Rodante Marcoleta may devolve into a 'reverse trial.' This commentary follows the filing of charges related to
Allegations of Misconduct and Admission on National TV
The prosecutor may just sit and watch with folded arms while the respondent argues against himself and the damning evidence that he himself presented in plain view of all the witnesses who watched his 'admission against interest' on national TV.
Panfilo Lacson, Senator
Lacson pointed out that Marcoleta publicly acknowledged receiving the P75 million in cash donations during a television appearance, yet failed to declare this amount in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).
The Office of the Ombudsman filed the plunder charges and three counts of violating Presidential Decree No. 46, which prohibits public officials from accepting gifts. Along with Marcoleta, former congressman Mike Defensor and businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray were also charged.
Marcoleta maintains that the donations were received before the official campaign period and should thus be considered personal funds. Lacson disputes this defense, noting that Marcoleta was still serving as a representative when he accepted the funds.
GMA News Online has sought a response from Marcoleta regarding these allegations but has not yet received a reply.