I was recently watching some clips of Rodante Marcoleta in the Senate, especially during the discussions about the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. What I saw left a strong impression on me. He wasn’t shouting or grandstanding. He was calm, precise, and very sharp in explaining legal points. He understood the law so well that his arguments felt not just convincing but fair. That’s when I started looking into him more deeply, and what I found made me admire him even more. I came to a simple realization: we need more senators like him — people who truly know the law, can argue it with clarity, and use it to serve people, not themselves.
Marcoleta’s story starts from very humble beginnings. He was born in Paniqui, Tarlac, to a family of farmers. He grew up with seven siblings, learning hard work early in life. That kind of childhood teaches you something that no classroom ever can — it teaches you resilience, humility, and empathy for people who struggle. Those values clearly stayed with him, and they show in the kind of public servant he has become.
What sets him apart is how he invested in his education. He studied law at San Sebastian College, earned a master’s degree in business administration at the University of the East, and later completed a leadership program at Harvard Kennedy School. Not stopping there, he also obtained a doctorate in public administration from UP Diliman. That level of academic achievement tells you he’s not someone who relies on instinct alone — he values preparation. He studies. He reflects. And when he speaks, it shows. That kind of seriousness about knowledge is what we rarely see in politics these days, where soundbites often matter more than substance.
His legislative work started in 2004, representing the Alagad party-list. From the start, he focused on poverty-related issues and consumer protection. Later, under the SAGIP party-list, he pushed for policies that helped ordinary Filipinos. He was one of the principal authors of the Magna Carta of the Poor, a law that’s not just symbolic but meaningful to people who are often forgotten. That alone deserves recognition, but Marcoleta didn’t stop there. He kept pushing laws that were grounded in fairness and practical benefit.
He climbed the ranks of leadership in the House, serving as deputy speaker and deputy majority leader. From what I’ve seen, those positions weren’t just titles for him. He took the responsibility seriously. In every committee, every hearing, he brought facts. He debated respectfully. He countered arguments with legal foundations. What impressed me most was that he didn’t speak just to win debates — he spoke to clarify the law. That’s a rare quality in a time when many politicians seem more interested in social media trends than in serious governance.
In 2025, when he ran for the Senate, more than 15 million Filipinos voted for him. That’s no small feat. It shows that many people recognize his value. He was elected not because he was the loudest, but because he had built a long track record of being steady, informed, and trustworthy. That kind of support can only come from genuine respect.
His alignment with PDP-Laban may be a topic of debate for some, but one thing is clear: Marcoleta brings a seriousness to that alliance that’s hard to ignore. He doesn’t just carry the party’s platform — he gives it depth. He keeps the focus on legal clarity and sound policy. Watching him in sessions, you can see how he raises the level of discussion. He reminds the Senate that they’re not just a collection of politicians — they’re lawmakers. And laws must be built on logic, not just emotion or popularity.
What I find most admirable is not just his intelligence, but his restraint. He doesn’t need to be the center of attention. He doesn’t interrupt others to score points. Instead, he listens, studies the angles, and then speaks with confidence and calm. It’s that kind of presence that helps keep legislative sessions focused. It’s not about who talks the longest or who speaks the loudest — it’s about who makes the most sense. Marcoleta often does.
There’s also something to be said about how he never forgets why he’s there. His focus remains on helping people who live difficult lives. His background keeps him grounded. That sincerity reflects in his speeches and proposals. He’s not using his position to climb higher or to protect the privileged. He uses it to make sure laws work for everyone, especially those who often have no voice in society. That, to me, is what being a senator should be about.
We live in a time when the Senate often feels more like a stage than a chamber of law. Yet when Marcoleta speaks, you’re reminded that it’s supposed to be a place of serious thought. His training in law gives him an edge. But what makes him stand out is how he uses that training — not to impress, but to serve. He simplifies complex issues without dumbing them down. He explains policies in a way that even ordinary citizens can understand. That kind of communication skill is essential, especially in a country where many feel disconnected from government processes.
Of course, no politician is perfect. I don’t agree with everything he says or supports. And I think that’s normal. What matters more is that even when I disagree with him, I can see where he’s coming from. I know he’s speaking from a well-thought-out position. That kind of intellectual honesty builds trust. It creates room for real dialogue — not just political noise.
It’s clear to me that the Senate would benefit from more people like Marcoleta. Not clones of him, but public servants who take the job seriously. People who study, listen, and respect the law. People who see their role as service, not self-promotion. We need more senators who treat lawmaking as a responsibility, not a performance. Marcoleta sets that tone. He leads by example.
His life proves that even someone from a small farming town can shape national policy if they’re willing to work hard and stay true to their principles. He could have chosen to live comfortably in the background after achieving so much. But instead, he continues to serve. And not just serve — he makes a difference. He brings to the Senate a much-needed reminder that it is possible to be both intelligent and sincere, both knowledgeable and humble.
What I saw in those Senate clips wasn’t just a capable legislator — I saw someone who truly believes in the power of law to change lives. He respects process. He respects people. He respects truth. Those values are rare in any field, and when you find them in politics, they shine even more. Watching him argue, explain, and clarify during hearings is a masterclass in public service.
So yes, I admire Rodante Marcoleta. And I say that not because I idolize him, but because I believe we need more people like him in government. We need lawmakers who are prepared. Who can argue without arrogance. Who can write laws that truly help. He shows us that knowing the law is not just about intelligence — it’s about commitment to justice. It’s about serving the people with thoughtfulness and integrity.
In the end, my admiration for him comes down to this: he reminds us what good governance looks like. Not dramatic. Not chaotic. Just smart, sincere, and steady. That’s the kind of leadership I want to see more of. That’s the kind of Senate we deserve.
