Detained Senator Rodante Marcoleta has asked the Senate impeachment court to consider his vote in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte despite his detention.
During Monday’s proceedings, Senate impeachment court presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero confirmed that he and Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian received a letter of manifestation from Marcoleta requesting that his vote be counted.
According to Escudero, Marcoleta cited a precedent from the impeachment trial of former President Joseph Estrada to support his request.
Escudero said he deferred action on the matter and referred the letter to the Senate, sitting as a legislative body, for appropriate consideration.
He added that he is personally inclined to agree with Marcoleta’s request, provided the senator has not been suspended from office.
Marcoleta is currently detained at the Quezon City Jail male dormitory in Payatas after the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant for his arrest in connection with a ₱75-million plunder case involving alleged undeclared campaign donations during his 2025 senatorial bid.
The Senate has yet to decide whether Marcoleta’s vote will be recognized in the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Duterte.
