The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is closely monitoring the movements of Senator Rodante Marcoleta, former Congressman Michael “Mike” Defensor, and two others.

In a report by RH 15 Jecelle Ricafort, the heightened monitoring on Marcoleta, Defensor, as well as businessmen Joseph Varias Espiritu and Aristotle Baluyut Viray, follows the precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) issued by the Sandiganbayan for plunder and indirect bribery complaints filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with ₱75 million in allegedly undisclosed campaign donations.

Speaking to DZRH, Immigration Spokesperson Dana Sandoval said the agency has been made aware of the PHDO, is monitoring the said personalities, and is ready to implement it, despite not having been furnished with a physical copy of the PHDO.

If any of the four attempt to leave the country, they will be barred by BI personnel.

The recommendation submitted to the anti-graft court originated from an initial Commission on Elections (COMELEC) case over Marcoleta’s failure to disclose millions of pesos in donations in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).

In January 2025, Defensor, Espiritu, and Viray reportedly donated ₱30 million, ₱25 million, and ₱20 million, respectively, backing Marcoleta’s senatorial bid.

Marcoleta has previously denied the accusation, claiming it to be an attack due to the timing of the Ombudsman’s request for a PHDO.

“The complaint arrived while the Senate is confronted with uncomfortable truths, namely, the pending continuation of the investigation of the anomalous flood control projects, the approaching Constitutional burden of an impeachment trial, and a growing pressure upon this institution to surrender its independence through political maneuvering disguised as Constitutional reform,” he said.

“The trumped-up charges filed against me and some of my friends are not merely legal accusations. They form part of a deeper and more nefarious design,” he added.