By Danielle Tiu
MANILA — The Marcos administration on Friday maintained that it will not interfere in the plunder case filed against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, insisting that the judiciary must be allowed to resolve the matter independently.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the executive branch recognizes the constitutional separation of powers and will not attempt to influence the Sandiganbayan or any other court handling the case.
“The senator has every opportunity to defend himself if he believes he has strong evidence,” Castro told Philippine journalists during a media briefing in Vancouver, Canada.
She emphasized that neither President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. nor any executive official would pressure the courts.
“There will be no strong-arming or interference from the executive. The President respects the independence of the judiciary and whatever decision it ultimately reaches,” Castro said.
Her remarks came after members of the Iglesia ni Cristo expressed concerns that the legal proceedings against Marcoleta might not be handled impartially.
Earlier in the day, the Office of the Ombudsman filed plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan against Marcoleta and three others in connection with an alleged P75-million campaign contribution.
The complaint was lodged a day after the INC concluded a three-day demonstration supporting the senator.
Castro appealed to the public not to prejudge the case or cast doubt on the justice system before trial.
“We are only at the beginning of the legal process. It is premature to question the credibility of our courts when no ruling has yet been made,” she said.
Asked whether the Palace was preparing for another protest, Castro said the government was not expecting one, adding that any attempt to pressure state institutions would be inappropriate.
She likewise assured the public that the administration would continue to uphold the rule of law regardless of outside pressure.
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