THE Office of the Ombudsman formally lodged plunder and three other related charges before the Sandiganbayan on Friday against Senator Rodante Marcoleta.
The case stems from the alleged receipt of ₱75 million in campaign contributions prior to the 2025 senatorial elections, which the lawmaker is accused of failing to disclose in his required Statement of Campaign Expenditures. Prosecutors claim this omission constitutes a violation of transparency and accountability rules governing public officials.
Alongside Marcoleta, three others have been named as respondents in the same complaint: former congressman Michael Defensor, and businessmen Joseph Varias Espiritu and Aristotle Baluyut Viray.
They face identical charges of plunder and violation of the presidential decree that prohibits public officials from receiving gifts or favors that could compromise their integrity. The Ombudsman’s investigation alleges that the funds were treated as an “unconscionable gift” that led to the senator’s unjust enrichment.
Prior to the filing of the formal charges, the anti‑graft court issued a precautionary hold-departure order in late May covering all four individuals. This order was granted upon the Ombudsman’s request while the preliminary investigation was still ongoing, to ensure the respondents remain within the country and available to face legal proceedings. With the case now officially filed before the Sandiganbayan, the court is set to review the charges and determine the next steps in the trial process.
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