Senator Rodante Marcoleta, currently detained in Quezon City Jail, has formally requested the Senate impeachment court to consider his vote in the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

The request was confirmed by Senate impeachment court presiding officer Francis Escudero, who stated that the court has received a letter from Marcoleta citing procedural rules from the Erap impeachment trial.Escudero deferred immediate action, referring the matter to the Senate as a legislative body for deliberation.Marcoleta's participation is significant as his vote could influence the outcome of the trial.The senator was arrested following a plunder case investigation over an undeclared campaign donation for his 2025 senatorial bid.His legal team argues that his vote should be counted despite his detention, emphasizing that the impeachment process should remain inclusive.The Senate impeachment court faces a critical decision on whether to uphold Marcoleta's request, which could set a precedent for future trials.This development adds complexity to the already contentious impeachment proceedings, highlighting the political and legal challenges involved.