The Sandiganbayan Fourth Division has issued warrants of arrest against former Anakalusugan Rep. Michael "Mike" Defensor and Sen. Rodante Marcoleta in connection with charges for alleged violation of Presidential Decree No. 46, which prohibits government officials and employees from giving or receiving gifts in relation to their official duties.

In separate orders dated July 8, 2026, the anti-graft court directed law enforcement authorities to arrest the two accused and set bail at ₱30,000 each for their provisional liberty.

The Fourth Division also issued a Hold Departure Order (HDO) against Defensor and Marcoleta, directing the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to prevent them from leaving the country while the case is pending.

The court's order stated: “This Court... hereby orders the Bureau of Immigration (B.I.) to hold the departure from the Philippines of the above-named accused and include and maintain the name of said accused in the Hold Departure List of said Bureau, unless otherwise lifted by this Court.”

The HDO further instructed that Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado should be furnished with a copy of the order for its immediate implementation.

The criminal case stems from allegations that Defensor and Marcoleta violated Presidential Decree No. 46, which bars public officials from accepting or giving gifts connected to the performance of their official functions.

With the issuance of the arrest warrants and the hold departure order, the two accused are expected to submit themselves to the jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan and may post bail to secure their temporary release while trial proceedings continue.

On Monday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Health Service said that Marcoleta is considered "not fit to stand trial" after experiencing chest and neck pain. The senator remains confined at the PNP General Hospital, awaiting the results of his medical tests and assessments.