Rodante Dizon Marcoleta
Rodante Dizon Marcoleta was born on July 29, 1953, in San Isidro, Cainta, Rizal. A lawyer by profession, Marcoleta has built an extensive career in Philippine politics, particularly in the House of Representatives. He first served in Congress as a representative of the Alagad Party-list during the 13th (2004-2007), 14th (2007-2010), and 15th (2010-2013) Congresses. After a brief hiatus, he returned to the House as the representative of the Social Amelioration and Genuine Intervention on Poverty (SAGIP) Party-list in 2016 and has held this position ever since. During the 18th Congress (2019-2022), Marcoleta served as House Deputy Speaker. Throughout his legislative career, he has authored numerous bills, with at least 39 becoming laws, including the Magna Carta of the Poor signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2019. Marcoleta gained national prominence for his role in the non-renewal of ABS-CBN's broadcast franchise in 2020 and his proposal to slash the Commission on Human Rights' budget to ₱1,000 in 2017. He also hosts the public affairs program 'Sa Ganang Mamamayan' on Net 25, a television channel associated with the Iglesia ni Cristo church, of which he is a member. Marcoleta previously attempted to run for senator in the 2022 elections as part of the Marcos-Duterte UniTeam slate but withdrew days before the election due to poor polling numbers. For the 2025 senatorial elections, he is running as an independent candidate with the endorsement of former President Rodrigo Duterte and the PDP party.
Education
- Bachelor of Laws
Career Highlights
- House Deputy Speaker, 18th Congress (2019-2022)
- SAGIP Party-list Representative (2016-Present)
- Alagad Party-list Representative (2004-2013)
- Host, 'Sa Ganang Mamamayan' public affairs program on Net 25
- Principal author of the Magna Carta of the Poor
- Authored 283 bills, with 39 eventually passed into law
Key Platforms
Transparency and Accountability in Government
Advocates for greater transparency in government operations, particularly regarding the use of confidential and intelligence funds. Emphasizes the need for accountability in public service while ensuring proper oversight of government resources.
Legislative Efficiency and Implementation
Focuses on ensuring that existing laws are properly implemented rather than creating new legislation. Believes that the Philippines has 'many beautiful laws' but lacks effective implementation and enforcement mechanisms.
Poverty Alleviation
Champions policies addressing poverty, as reflected in his role with SAGIP (Social Amelioration and Genuine Intervention on Poverty) Party-list and his authorship of the Magna Carta of the Poor, which aims to uplift disadvantaged Filipinos through various social welfare programs.
Education Reform
Supports improvements in educational quality and access, having authored laws related to enhancing education. Believes in strengthening educational institutions to better prepare Filipinos for employment and economic participation.
Power Sector Reform
Advocates for reducing electricity costs for consumers by limiting the system losses that power companies can pass on to consumers. Has filed legislation aimed at making electricity more affordable while encouraging power firms to improve service quality and reliability.
Positions on Key Issues
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| Economy | Supports tax reforms that benefit ordinary citizens while maintaining fiscal discipline in government spending. |
| Education | Promotes quality education through legislative reforms, having authored laws to improve educational standards and accessibility. |
| Healthcare | Specific healthcare positions are not prominently featured in his public statements, though likely aligns with social welfare programs. |
| Environment | Authored legislation on environmental insurance coverage, suggesting support for environmental protection with economic considerations. |
| Labor | Specific labor policies are not prominently featured in his public statements, though likely supports job creation initiatives. |
| Agriculture | Specific agricultural positions are not prominently featured in his public statements. |
| Governance | Emphasizes transparency, accountability, and proper implementation of existing laws rather than creating new legislation. |
| Foreign Policy | Has made controversial statements questioning the existence of the West Philippine Sea label, suggesting alignment with pro-China positions. |
| Charter Change | Specific positions on constitutional amendments are not prominently featured in his public statements. |
| Lgbtq Rights | Specific positions on LGBTQIA+ rights are not prominently featured in his public statements. |
| Drug War | Supported the Duterte administration's anti-drug policies as a principal author of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. |
| Icc | Likely opposes ICC intervention in Philippine affairs, aligning with the Duterte administration's stance, having received the former president's endorsement. |
Sources & Citations
- Wikipedia - 'Rodante Marcoleta'
- VERA FILES - 'VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Marcoleta makes two inaccurate claims on former SC justice Carpio, West PH Sea arbitral award'
- Manila Standard - 'Marcoleta lands 10th in PAPI survey on 2025 senatorial elections'
- Manila Bulletin - 'KNOW THE PARTY-LIST REP: Rodante Marcoleta, SAGIP Partylist'
- Manila Bulletin - 'Who is Rodante Marcoleta'
- Vote Pilipinas - 'Marcoleta, Rodante' candidate profile
- Rappler - 'Who is Rodante Marcoleta, the man behind the motion for CHR's P1,000-budget?'
- Rappler - 'ABS-CBN franchise killer Rodante Marcoleta withdraws from senatorial race'
- Philippine Star - 'Marcoleta: No chance for ABS-CBN to get new franchise, not even in 2022'
- Philippine Star - 'Party-list group files '10 power bills''
- GMA News Online - 'RODANTE MARCOLETA | Eleksyon 2025'
- GMA News Online - 'Rep. Marcoleta formalizes Senate bid in Eleksyon 2025'
This profile is regularly updated with verified information from reliable sources. Last updated: April 24, 2025