Philippine Senator Rodante Marcoleta, a key ally of Vice President Sara Duterte, was arrested on Monday on a plunder charge, just hours before the Senate was set to begin a high-stakes impeachment trial that could determine Duterte's political future. Marcoleta was due to sit as a senator-judge in the trial against Duterte, who faces removal from office and a potential ban from the 2028 presidential elections if convicted by a two-thirds majority in the 24-member Senate.
Arrest and Charges
The anti-graft court ordered Marcoleta's arrest after the Ombudsman's office accused him of accepting 75 million pesos ($1.2 million) from private donors during his 2025 Senate run, violating anti-corruption laws. The court also issued a hold departure order, preventing him from leaving the country. “After evaluating the records, the court found probable cause to believe that the accused committed the offense charged,” anti-graft court Judge Karl Miranda said in a statement.
Police arrested Marcoleta inside the courthouse on Monday after he 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. Under Philippine law, individuals charged with plunder are not eligible for bail.
Impact on Impeachment Trial
It remains unclear whether Marcoleta's arrest will affect the impeachment trial process. The trial is set to begin on Monday, with Marcoleta originally scheduled to serve as one of the senator-judges. His absence could potentially delay proceedings or require a replacement. Last month, another Duterte ally, Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, was detained on plunder charges for allegedly taking kickbacks from infrastructure projects. Estrada has been suspended from his senatorial duties and will not be able to attend the trial opening.
Political Context and Protests
The prospect of Marcoleta's arrest triggered protests last week, organized by a religious group with 2 million members, which crippled traffic in the capital Manila and forced President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to cancel engagements outside the presidential palace. Marcos and Duterte successfully ran on a joint ticket in 2022, but their alliance has since unraveled into a bitter rivalry. If convicted, Duterte could be barred from running in the 2028 elections, where she remains the frontrunner to succeed Marcos.
Marcoleta's arrest marks a significant escalation in the political turmoil surrounding Duterte's impeachment, highlighting the deepening rift between the former allies.
