Falcis questions Marcoleta presscon in Sandiganbayan courtroom

September 17, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

Political commentator Jesus Falcis questioned authorities for letting Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and former lawmaker Mike Defensor hold a press conference or question-and-answer session in a courtroom at the Sandiganbayan.

Marcoleta and Defensor are detained over their plunder case and were at the Sandiganbayan for a hearing on Thursday.

“Stop the special treatment!” Falcis said in a Facebook post.

The media interview was apparently permitted by authorities for orderly proceedings.

In previous instances, officials facing cases had been interviewed at the Sandiganbayan premises after their hearings, with media personnel crowding around them and jostling with each other.

Video posted by media outlets on Thursday showed Marcoleta and Defensor seated before a table in the courtroom answering questions from reporters.

Behind them were their security escorts from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Falcis asked why this was allowed, when Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila De Lima was treated differently when undergoing trial at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court.

He noted that De Lima’s security personnel were vigilant about preventing her from speaking to the media whenever she would be brought to the court.