FALSE: Marcoleta released after court dismisses case

A social media post claims that Sen. Rodante Marcoleta has already been released after the court allegedly dismissed the case filed against him, supposedly clearing the way for him to return to the Senate and complete the minority bloc.

CLAIM

The post alleges that Marcoleta has been released after the case against him was dismissed by the court.

RATING: FALSE

CONCLUSION

There is no court ruling dismissing the case against Marcoleta, and no verified information confirms his release following the supposed dismissal. The post therefore falsely presents the case as resolved and Marcoleta as having returned to complete the Senate minority bloc.

THE FACTS

• Available court records contain no confirmation that the case against Marcoleta was dismissed.
• The Office of the Ombudsman filed a plunder case against Marcoleta before the Sandiganbayan on July 3 over ₱75 million in alleged undeclared campaign contributions.
• The Sandiganbayan ordered Marcoleta’s arrest on July 6, and he remains in custody, contrary to the claim that he has already been released.

THE BOTTOMLINE

Marcoleta remains in custody over the plunder case filed against him. There is no court ruling dismissing the case or confirming his release, making the social media post false.