THE Field Investigation Bureau of the Office of the Ombudsman has recommended the filing of plunder and bribery charges against Senator Rodante Marcoleta in connection with the receipt of ₱75 million in campaign contributions last year.
In a complaint‑affidavit dated May 18 and obtained by GMA News, investigators also named former Quezon City Representative Mike Defensor and private individuals Joseph Varias Espiritu and Aristotle Baluyut Viray as co‑respondents, recommending that all four be indicted for plunder under Republic Act No. 7080, as well as for violations of Presidential Decree No. 46. Marcoleta was additionally recommended to face charges for indirect bribery.
The case originated from a prior inquiry at the Commission on Elections (Comelec), where Marcoleta was investigated for omitting the amounts from his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).
While the poll body declined to pursue charges, explaining that such non‑disclosure is no longer classified as an election offense under updated rules, Ombudsman investigators maintained that the transactions remain subject to criminal and administrative liability. According to documents, Marcoleta himself acknowledged receiving three separate donations in January 2025: ₱30 million from Defensor, ₱25 million from Espiritu, and ₱20 million from Viray, given over three consecutive days.
Investigators argued that the scale of the contributions removes them from the scope of ordinary generosity. “The acceptance of such a manifestly excessive amount should not be normalized among public officers,” the complaint read, asserting that the total sum meets the threshold and criteria for plunder, with the donors held liable as co‑conspirators. On May 21, the Ombudsman issued an order directing all respondents to submit their respective counter‑affidavits as part of the ongoing preliminary investigation to determine if there is sufficient basis to file the cases in court.
Defensor has strongly disputed the allegations, questioning the legal basis and motives behind the recommendation. “How can it be plunder? No government funds were involved. Those who truly stole public money, such as in flood control projects, are the ones who should face plunder charges,” he said, insisting the case has no legal ground to stand on. GMA News continues to seek official comments from Marcoleta, Espiritu, and Viray regarding the accusations.
