The Sandiganbayan’s Third Division on Monday ordered the arrest of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta after the Office of the Ombudsman filed a plunder case against him over P75 million in campaign donations he allegedly received while serving as a party-list lawmaker.
The arrest order was issued three days after the Ombudsman filed the case before the anti-graft court.
The charge stems from Marcoleta’s admission during a television interview in January 2025 that he received P75 million in campaign contributions for his 2025 senatorial campaign from former Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor and private individuals Aristotle Viray and Joseph Espiritu.
According to the complaint, Defensor allegedly contributed P30 million, while Viray and Espiritu donated P25 million and P20 million, respectively.
The Ombudsman said the decision to file the case was based on evidence gathered during its investigation, including Marcoleta’s own statements.
In his counter-affidavit, Marcoleta argued that the donations could not be considered public funds even if they exceeded the P50 million threshold under the Anti-Plunder Act. The Ombudsman, however, maintained that plunder may be committed even without the direct involvement of public funds.
Prosecutors also alleged that the P75 million in campaign donations was not reflected in Marcoleta’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth as of June 30, 2025. His SALN declared a net worth of P39.6 million, which he said represented assets accumulated from 1992 through June 30, 2025.
Following the filing of the case, members of the Iglesia ni Cristo held a protest near the EDSA People Power Monument in support of Marcoleta, rejecting what they described as “selective justice.”
Marcoleta has denied any wrongdoing and earlier claimed the case was intended to prevent him from participating in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
The Office of the Ombudsman said the case has generated intense public interest but maintained that the evidence should determine its outcome in court.
