NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Ombudsman Files Plunder Case Against Marcoleta
Photo credit: Senate PH
The Office of the Ombudsman on Friday filed a non-bailable plunder case before the Sandiganbayan against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta over the alleged non-disclosure of ₱75 million in campaign donations he received ahead of the 2025 elections.
According to the Ombudsman, Marcoleta failed to disclose the donations in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE), while the funds also did not appear in his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs). The anti-graft body alleged that the undeclared amount exceeded the ₱50-million threshold required for a plunder charge under Republic Act No. 7080.
Also charged with plunder were former Quezon City Rep. Mike Defensor and businessmen Joseph Varias Espiritu and Aristotle Baluyut Viray, who were identified by investigators as the alleged donors.
Aside from the plunder case, the Ombudsman also filed three separate criminal cases for alleged violations of Presidential Decree No. 46, which prohibits public officials from accepting gifts in connection with their office. The cases name Marcoleta and the alleged donors as co-accused and have been raffled to different divisions of the Sandiganbayan.
In a statement, the Ombudsman said pursuing the case "was not a decision made lightly or by choice," adding that the evidence gathered during its investigation left the office with no option but to file charges.
"The evidence includes three cash donations totaling ₱75 million, undeclared in the senator's SALN and campaign finance reports. This leaves our office no discretion to look away."
The Ombudsman also said Marcoleta had publicly acknowledged receiving the money and that it would now be up to the courts to determine whether the alleged acts constitute plunder and violations of the anti-gift law.
Marcoleta has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the funds came from private donors before the official campaign period and arguing that the allegations do not constitute plunder.
The Sandiganbayan will now determine the next steps in the proceedings, including whether probable cause exists to issue warrants against the accused.
According to the Ombudsman, Marcoleta failed to disclose the donations in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE), while the funds also did not appear in his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs). The anti-graft body alleged that the undeclared amount exceeded the ₱50-million threshold required for a plunder charge under Republic Act No. 7080.
Also charged with plunder were former Quezon City Rep. Mike Defensor and businessmen Joseph Varias Espiritu and Aristotle Baluyut Viray, who were identified by investigators as the alleged donors.
Aside from the plunder case, the Ombudsman also filed three separate criminal cases for alleged violations of Presidential Decree No. 46, which prohibits public officials from accepting gifts in connection with their office. The cases name Marcoleta and the alleged donors as co-accused and have been raffled to different divisions of the Sandiganbayan.
In a statement, the Ombudsman said pursuing the case "was not a decision made lightly or by choice," adding that the evidence gathered during its investigation left the office with no option but to file charges.
"The evidence includes three cash donations totaling ₱75 million, undeclared in the senator's SALN and campaign finance reports. This leaves our office no discretion to look away."
The Ombudsman also said Marcoleta had publicly acknowledged receiving the money and that it would now be up to the courts to determine whether the alleged acts constitute plunder and violations of the anti-gift law.
Marcoleta has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the funds came from private donors before the official campaign period and arguing that the allegations do not constitute plunder.
The Sandiganbayan will now determine the next steps in the proceedings, including whether probable cause exists to issue warrants against the accused.
Jul 3, 2026
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
