The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has clarified that its decisions remain independent of actions taken by other government agencies, including the Office of the Ombudsman, amid an ongoing plunder case against Senator Rodante Marcoleta.

Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia emphasized that the commission’s authority is distinct from other offices, stating, 'What’s for Comelec is for Comelec.What’s for Ombudsman is for Ombudsman.

' This assertion comes as the Ombudsman filed a plunder case against Marcoleta and three donors, alleging undeclared campaign contributions totaling P75 million.

The Comelec’s political finance and affairs department (PFAD) previously concluded that Marcoleta did not commit an election offense due to repealed provisions of Republic Act No.7166.However, the commission recommended filing complaints against Marcoleta’s donors for failing to submit required reports.The Ombudsman also referred a perjury complaint against Marcoleta to Comelec’s law department, though no decision has been made.Marcoleta, currently hospitalized due to health issues, faces arrest over the case, which was filed with the Sandiganbayan.The situation highlights the complex interplay between electoral oversight and legal investigations in Philippine politics.