MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Ping Lacson congratulated tennis player Alex Eala on her Wimbledon run with a pointed reference to his colleague, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta.
In a Facebook post on Friday, July 3, Lacson praised Eala after she made history as the first Filipina to reach the third round of a Grand Slam in the Open Era.
Eala advanced to the third round of Wimbledon after defeating Australia’s Maya Joint.
Alex is playing as the first-seeded Filipina player in any Grand Slam main draw ever.
“Nakaka-proud! The nation RALLIES behind Alex Eala! Meanwhile, Rodante Marcoleta…” Lacson wrote in a Facebook post.
The post featured side-by-side photos of Eala and Marcoleta, as well as a drone shot of a rally staged by Iglesia ni Cristo in support of the senator.
To emphasize his point, Lacson’s post also featured a drone shot of the rally staged by the religious group Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), of which Marcoleta is a member.
“Alex Eala’s Wimbledon rally: down in her first set at 3-6, she rallied to win her next two sets, 6-2 and 6-0. HER INDOMITABLE SPIRIT MAKES EVERY FILIPINO PROUD,” the senator wrote.
“Rodante Marcoleta’s EDSA and Liwasang Bonifacio rallies: NO COMMENT,” Lacson added.
The senator’s post reached a Reddit community, where it has earned almost 460 upvotes and two awards.
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Rallies
The INC staged a three-day rally at the People Power Monument and in Liwasang Bonifacio in support of Marcoleta.
The surprise rally has caused severe traffic congestion along EDSA, delaying people from going to work, school, and other appointments.
Meanwhile, Marcoleta has been charged with plunder by the Ombudsman for undeclared election campaign donations totaling P75 million, dating back to his senatorial campaign.
State prosecutors also noted that the amount was not mentioned in Marcoleta’s Statement of Liabilities, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) as of June 30, 2025.
The senator admitted to receiving such money in the media, saying it was “impossible” for him not to spend it since it was “entrusted” to him by supporters who wanted him to win in the 2025 elections.
Plunder is a non-bailable offense and carries a penalty of up to 40 years in prison.
Marcoleta has denied any wrongdoing, saying he “vehemently and categorically” rejected the allegations. He argued that the P75 million cannot be considered public funds and was received before the campaign period.
