Senator Rodante Marcoleta defended Net25 Malacanang Palace reporter Eden Santos from her possible removal from her beat after the request from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
In an interview, Marcoleta, who’s a member of Iglesia ni Cristo, which owns Net25, Santos would be hard to replace because of her decades of experience as a journalist.
“Ako unang-una personal, kung hihilingin nila si Eden Suarez Santos na ilipat at alisin dun [sa Malacanang], papaano natin gagawin ‘yun, eh si Eden pa naman ang pinakamatinik nating reporter? Papaano ko isa-substitute ‘yan, saan ako hahanap pa? Napakahirap namang kumuha ng reporter,” he said.
“Alam mo naman ‘yung reporter natin, taon na ang kanilang training dito. Hindi naman ganoon kadali na basta ka nalang maglipat, saka hindi naman ganoon ang patakaran,” he added.
Marcoleta also said that Malacanang was not the one that must decide whether Santos would be transferred or not.
“Bakit kayo ang magsasabi na palitan namin? Kami dapat ‘yung nagpadala, ‘yun ang merong discretion na palitan kung saan na siya gustong ilagay, hindi kayo ang magpapalit. Kahit suggestions lang, parang hindi tama,” he stated.
It can be recalled that PCO requested Santos’ removal because of the incident that happened on June 25, 2025 where the reporter allegedly violated the safety protocols to get a scoop from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“Sadly, this is not the first time that Santos has violated the rule. While we recognize the zeal and even the need for Santos to get a story from the President, we should also recognize the need for our reporters to observe and respect the rules specifically set to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the President,” the letter read.