Sara Duterte’s ally Marcoleta arrested hours before her impeachment trial in Philippines
Rodante Marcoleta is likely to be the third Duterte supporter to be unable to join the opening of the vice-president’s trial
In the Philippines, people charged with plunder are not eligible for bail. It was unclear whether the charging of Marcoleta would affect the impeachment trial process.
The anti-corruption court ordered Marcoleta’s arrest after the Ombudsman’s office had accused him of accepting 75 million pesos (US$1.2 million) from private donors during his 2025 Senate run, violating anti-corruption laws. It also issued a hold departure order against the senator, preventing him from leaving the country.
“After evaluating the records, the court found probable cause to believe that the accused committed the offence charged,” Judge Karl Miranda said in a statement.
Police arrested Marcoleta inside the courthouse on Monday, after the senator showed up to oppose the arrest order. “I will not hide. I will face the law and the charges according to my understanding of the law,” Marcoleta told reporters.