Senate puts suspensions of Marcoleta, Estrada on hold pending reconsideration

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian confirmed that the suspensions of Senators Rodante Marcoleta and Jinggoy Estrada will remain in abeyance until their motions for reconsideration are finally resolved. He cited letters from the two senators asking the Senate to defer the penalties while they pursue legal review. Earlier, the Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division placed Estrada under a 90-day preventive suspension linked to a flood-control project scandal, and the Third Division imposed a similar 90-day suspension on Marcoleta over alleged undeclared campaign contributions of P75 million.

Gatchalian added that the three lawmakers, including Senator Loren Legarda, are not receiving salaries due to their prolonged absences. Meanwhile, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said charges against Legarda and Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste are expected soon regarding a solar-power supply dispute, though he gave no timeline for filing.