MANILA – Malacañang urged Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and former lawmaker Michael Defensor to face the plunder charges against them in court, emphasizing that the administration respects judicial processes and does not interfere in the country’s justice system.

The statement came after the Sandiganbayan ordered the arrest of Marcoleta, Defensor, and two businessmen in connection with a non-bailable plunder case involving alleged undeclared campaign donations worth P75 million.

Marcoleta later submitted himself to the jurisdiction of the anti-graft court after attending a hearing on his motion to quash the charges, which was denied.

During a Palace press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. would respect the court’s ruling.

“Kung iyan po ang isinasaad at sinasabi ng batas at iyan naman po ang kautusan ng korte, iyan naman po ay irerespeto ng Pangulo (If that is what the law provides and that is the order of the court, then the President will respect it),” Castro said.

The case has drawn political attention, with some supporters of Marcoleta and members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) alleging that the charges are an example of selective justice.

Responding to Defensor’s statement that he and Marcoleta were jailed ahead of “the real thieves of the public coffers,” Castro said those seeking accountability should present evidence before the proper authorities.

“Iyon nga po, sana po ay minadali din nila ang pagbibigay ng mga ebidensiya – kongkretong ebidensiya, hindi lang puro pa-media (We only wish they had hastened the submission of evidence — concrete evidence, not merely statements made through the media),” she said.

“Mas magkakaroon po ng resolusyon at ng solusyon kung sila ay nagsumite kaagad ng mga kongkretong ebidensiya para kung sino iyong mga tao na nais nilang papanagutin ay napanagot na po sana, nadala na po sana sa korte ang mga kasong kanilang idudulog (There would have been a quicker resolution and solution if they had immediately submitted concrete evidence so that those they wanted held accountable could have already been charged and brought before the courts),” Castro added.

Asked about Defensor’s claim that the charges against him and Marcoleta have no legal basis, Castro said the matter should be resolved before the courts.

“Sa korte na lamang po nila ito gawin at depensahan (They should simply defend themselves in court),” she said.

Castro also declined to comment on the possibility of protests by members of the Iglesia ni Cristo following the arrest order, saying the religious group’s leadership has historically respected the rule of law.

Last week, thousands of INC members gathered along EDSA to protest what they described as “selective justice” under the administration and to express support for Marcoleta, who is a member of the religious organization.

Malacañang has repeatedly denied allegations of selective justice, maintaining that legal cases are handled independently by the courts and other constitutional bodies.