The Office of the Ombudsman on Friday filed plunder charges against Senator Rodante Marcoleta before the Sandiganbayan over his alleged non-disclosure of ₱75 million in campaign contributions.
The case stems from Marcoleta's admission that he received ₱75 million in campaign donations while serving as a member of the House of Representatives ahead of the 2025 senatorial elections but did not declare the amount in his Statement of Campaign Expenditures (SOCE).
According to a report by RH Val Gonzales, aside from the plunder charge, Marcoleta also faces three counts of alleged violation of Presidential Decree No. 46, which prohibits public officials from receiving gifts on certain occasions.
Also charged in the case were:
- Former congressman Mike Defensor
- Joseph Varias Espiritu
- Aristotle Baluyut Viray
Plunder is a heinous crime defined under Republic Act No. 7080, committed when a public officer amasses or acquires ill-gotten wealth worth at least ₱50 million through a combination or series of criminal acts, such as bribery, misuse of public funds, or extortion. It is a non-bailable offense.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla on Wednesday confirmed that the filing of charges would proceed despite ongoing protests by members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), who have expressed support for Marcoleta and opposed the allegations linked to his campaign finances.
The filing comes days after Remulla announced that the Ombudsman would bring the case before the Sandiganbayan within the week.
According to the Ombudsman's Field Investigation Bureau, the alleged undisclosed campaign donations totaled ₱75 million. The contributions reportedly consisted of ₱30 million from former congressman Mike Defensor, ₱25 million from Joseph Espiritu, and ₱20 million from Aristotle Viray.
In a Facebook post on June 30, Marcoleta has denied any wrongdoing and described the case as "politically motivated." The senator claimed that the timing of the charges was intended to prevent him from participating in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, which is scheduled to begin on July 6.
Earlier, the INC concluded its three-day rally on Thursday, July 2, in support of Marcoleta. The religious group said it had delivered its message of support as the senator faces the plunder case stemming from the alleged undeclared campaign contributions.
