The Philippine government has moved forward with plunder charges against Senator Rodante Marcoleta, a prominent member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, despite widespread protests from the religious group.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that the government and investigative bodies are not intimidated by pressure from any group, stating that the legal process must proceed without interference.

Marcoleta faces charges of receiving P75 million in undeclared campaign donations during his 2025 senatorial campaign, alongside three private individuals including former congressman Mike Defensor.

The charges come after a three-day protest by the INC in EDSA and Liwasang Bonifacio, which criticized what they described as selective justice targeting Marcoleta for his vocal criticism of the administration.Malacañang reaffirmed its stance of holding accountable those who violate the law, dismissing calls to halt legal proceedings.

Castro highlighted that Marcos, the former president, was a private citizen at the time of his campaign donations, unlike Marcoleta, who was a public official.

The government also addressed Defensor's social media claims about Marcos' donations, clarifying that Marcos fully declared his contributions while Marcoleta did not.The case underscores tensions between religious groups and state institutions over legal accountability.