As Senator Rodante Marcoleta faces looming plunder charges that triggered a mass Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) rally along EDSA, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday defended the agency’s anti-corruption campaign, insisting that no public official — no matter how powerful or politically connected — is beyond the reach of the law.

Speaking before field investigators of the Office of the Ombudsman, Remulla stressed that public officials who violate the law will be prosecuted regardless of status or influence.

“High or low ranking, they will be charged when they commit a crime,” Remulla said.

“When someone has lost their way, we need to step in and straighten the crooked path,” he added.

Remulla said corruption investigations must remain objective and impartial, emphasizing that public trust in government institutions depends on fair and consistent accountability.

“That is the duty we swore to uphold — to watch over everything and shape the public’s understanding of the unwavering commitment expected from every government servant,” he said.

On Wednesday, Remulla confirmed they will proceed with the filing of charges against Marcoleta.

“Nothing is changing. Nothing has changed,” he said on the sidelines of the launch of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy at the GSIS Headquarters in Pasay City.

He dismissed allegations that Marcoleta was being unfairly targeted.

“It’s not selective justice,” Remulla said.

While acknowledging the INC’s right to protest, Remulla insisted the basis of the rally was flawed.

“That is their freedom of expression. But it’s a wrong premise. There’s no selective justice in this country when it comes to the Ombudsman,” he said.

Marcoleta case sparks backlash

Public attention has intensified following the Office of the Ombudsman’s decision to file plunder charges against Marcoleta, who allegedly received P75 million in campaign donations in 2025 from three private individuals and failed to declare the amount in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.

While the Commission on Elections earlier ruled that the transactions did not constitute an election offense, the Ombudsman pursued a separate case under the anti-plunder law, citing provisions that prohibit public officials from receiving gifts.

The case sparked outrage among Marcoleta’s supporters, particularly members of the INC, who gathered at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City to protest what they described as a politically motivated and selective investigation.

Other politicians under probe

Before moving against Marcoleta, the Ombudsman had filed graft and plunder charges against Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who allegedly received P573 million in kickbacks linked to infrastructure projects in 2025.

Both Marcoleta and Estrada are part of a bloc aligned with Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, a Duterte ally, fueling criticism that the administration is selectively targeting its political opponents.

The Ombudsman has also confirmed that cases against Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, both tagged as alleged masterminds in the flood control controversy, are under preliminary investigation.

A separate case involving Senator Joel Villanueva is likewise being independently built after the Ombudsman rejected earlier findings by the Department of Justice.

‘We follow the evidence’

Despite accusations of selective justice, Remulla has repeatedly denied that the Ombudsman was targeting specific political figures.

In a recent press briefing, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the agency simply follows the evidence wherever it leads, even if it points to powerful officials.

“We are not biased toward anyone. The Ombudsman has always said we will follow the evidence. If the evidence is there, who are we to stop the truth from coming out?” Clavano said.

He added that accountability and transparency remain at the core of the agency’s mission.

“What our brothers in INC are fighting for through their rally — accountability and transparency — that is exactly what the Ombudsman is fighting for. Our actions will show that we are not being selective,” he said.

No deals with anyone

Remulla also rejected suggestions that the Ombudsman negotiates or makes deals in politically sensitive investigations.

Referring to the case involving Senator Villanueva, Remulla said the Ombudsman decided to conduct its own probe after finding gaps in the DoJ investigation.

“We don’t make deals with anybody. We did not accept the findings of the DoJ because we believed the case buildup was lacking, so we had to conduct our own investigation,” Remulla said.