MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police on Monday said it has not received any arrest warrant against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, emphasizing that police will only act upon lawful orders issued by a competent court.
PNP AWAITS OFFICIAL COURT ORDER
peaking during a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP Public Information Chief Allen Rae Co said the police organization has not received any official communication regarding an arrest warrant for Marcoleta.
He stressed that, like any other warrant issued by a court, the PNP would carry out its duty once a valid order is formally received.
MARCOLETA CITES POSSIBLE LEGAL ACTION
Marcoleta earlier claimed he had received information suggesting that an arrest warrant could soon be issued against him.
The senator said the possible warrant is allegedly linked to plunder and indirect bribery complaints involving the reported non-disclosure of campaign funds allegedly received from former Quezon City representative Mike Defensor and businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray.
POLICE CHIEF EMPHASIZES DUE PROCESS
PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police force would strictly follow legal procedures and recognizes that only the courts have the authority to issue arrest warrants.
He also clarified that the PNP has not issued any special operational directive concerning Marcoleta and does not act on rumors or unverified reports.
According to Nartatez, the police organization remains committed to carrying out its duties professionally, impartially, and in accordance with the rule of law while respecting the constitutional rights of all individuals.
DILG CHIEF SAYS NO KNOWN CASE FILED
For his part, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said he was unaware of any formal charges having been filed against Marcoleta.
He noted that an arrest warrant cannot be issued unless a criminal case has first been filed before the appropriate court, including the Sandiganbayan when applicable.
Remulla said he had no knowledge of any such case currently pending against the senator.
Alleged campaign fund controversy
Marcoleta has recently claimed that he could face legal action over allegations involving the non-disclosure of campaign contributions reportedly provided by former lawmaker Mike Defensor and businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray.
As of Monday, however, government officials said no arrest warrant had been served on the PNP, and authorities maintained that any enforcement action would only proceed after the issuance of a lawful court order.