MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has formally shut down mounting rumors regarding an imminent arrest operation targeting Senator Rodante Marcoleta, clarifying that law enforcement has received absolutely no judicial directives or warrants against the lawmaker.
During a press briefing held at Camp Crame, PNP Public Information Office Chief Col. Allen Rae Co made it clear that the police force remains on the sidelines unless a court explicitly orders otherwise.
“As of now, the Philippine National Police has not received any official communication regarding any warrant against Senator Marcoleta,” Col. Co stated.
Co underscored that the PNP operates strictly under the bounds of standard legal procedures, maintaining that the agency only executes legitimate orders that are officially processed and transmitted by a competent court.
Roots of the Controversy
Whispers of an impending arrest intensified following reports that the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon recommended filing heavy legal charges against Marcoleta. The lawmaker faces scrutiny over alleged plunder and indirect bribery stemming from P75 million in supposedly undisclosed political campaign donations.
Despite the looming legal shadow, Senator Marcoleta has remained defiant. He recently went on the record to declare that he would continue exposing alleged corruption and irregularities within state-funded flood control projects, regardless of any legal blowback. He has also publicly conceded in earlier remarks that a judicial warrant might cross his path eventually.
Stance on Political Neutrality
Addressing the public chatter, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. firmly declared that the national police force refuses to be swayed by viral social media speculation or unvalidated leaks.
No Special Orders: Gen. Nartatez confirmed that no specialized operational teams or directives have been set up in relation to Marcoleta.
Strict Neutrality: The PNP chief reiterated that the organization remains entirely apolitical.
Procedural Focus: He emphasized that police actions are anchored strictly to institutional mandates, formal court orders, and the rule of law.
For the time being, top brass emphasized that any talk of a police operation involving the legislator is purely speculative until the judiciary makes an official move.
ia/xf
