A Facebook post claims that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos questions why people oppose jailing Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and implies the senator is a thief who must be held accountable. This is fake.
The post published on July 10 contains a photo of the president and a fabricated quote attributed to him:
“Nagtataka ako kung bakit ayaw nyo makulong si Marcoleta, ayaw niyo ba mapanagot ang mga magnanakaw
(I wonder why you don’t want Marcoleta imprisoned. Do you not want the thieves to be held accountable)?”
The post also carried a caption, asking the public about their opinion on Marcos’ alleged remark:
“Kayo na humusga (Judge for yourselves).”
Marcos’ photo used in the post was from a March 24 interview on Bloomberg TV, an international business and financial news network. The discussion focused on issues of international interest, including the Philippine-China relations, the economy, and the Middle East conflict.
Another FB post with the same graphic was published by a different account in a public group, paired with a caption that played on Marcoleta’s name, accusing him of receiving cash in suitcases.
In a July 6 press briefing in Malacañang, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro did not associate the senator with “thieves.” Instead, she responded to the claims made by Marcoleta’s co-accused, former representative Mike Defensor, that they were being targeted.
“Sana po ay minadali din nila ang pagbibigay ng mga ebidensya; kongkretong ebidensya, hindi lang puro pa-media. Mas magkakaroon po ng resolusyon at solusyon kung sila ay nagsumite kaagad ng mga kongkretong ebidensya para kung sino ‘yung mga tao na gusto nila papanagutin ay napanagot na po sana. Nadala na po sana sa korte ang mga kasong kanilang idudulog
(They should have expedited the submission of evidence; concrete evidence, not just grandstanding for the media. A resolution and a solution would have been reached sooner had they immediately submitted concrete evidence, allowing those they wish to hold accountable to face the consequences. The case they intended to pursue would have already been brought to court).”
During a July 3 press briefing in Vancouver, Canada, Castro said the legal process must proceed without interference and that Marcoleta is free to defend himself in the proper forum.
The case filed against Marcoleta originated from his own public admission that he received P75 million campaign contributions for his 2025 senatorial race but did not declare it in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth. Under Republic Act No 7080 or the Anti-Plunder Law, the amassing of funds exceeding P50 million can be prosecuted as plunder.
The fake post surfaced after the senator was arrested on July 6, after the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division ordered his arrest.
Posted by a Facebook user, the post has so far garnered 1,774 reactions, 2,000 comments, and 121 shares.
