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Advocates Philippines
Marcoleta, Defensor Barred From Leaving PH Over P75-M Campaign Donation Case
via Sandiganbayan
The Sandiganbayan Seventh Division has issued a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against Senator Rodante Marcoleta, former Quezon City congressman Mike Defensor, and businessmen Aristotle Viray and Joseph Espiritu in connection with plunder and bribery complaints linked to alleged campaign donations amounting to P75 million.
The order, issued on May 26, 2026, temporarily prevents the four respondents from leaving the country while proceedings continue before the Office of the Ombudsman.
Based on case records, the complaint stems from allegations that Marcoleta received P75 million in campaign donations during his 2025 Senate run, reportedly coming from Defensor, Espiritu, and Viray in separate transactions. Authorities are examining whether the amount and circumstances of the donations may constitute plunder and violations of anti-graft laws.
The case also includes alleged violations of Presidential Decree No. 46, which prohibits public officials from receiving gifts connected to their office or position. Marcoleta is also facing three counts of indirect bribery tied to the same allegations.
The Sandiganbayan’s PHDO was issued under its Seventh Division, ensuring that the respondents remain in the country while legal proceedings and preliminary investigations continue.
Reports indicate that the Ombudsman’s Field Investigation Bureau has recommended the filing of charges, though a final resolution from the Ombudsman is still pending.
The complaint originated from scrutiny of campaign finance declarations and Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE), with investigators also looking into possible discrepancies in related disclosures.
During earlier proceedings, Ombudsman prosecutors argued that the respondents could be considered flight risks given the seriousness of the allegations and the potential penalties involved in plunder cases.
As of writing, no detailed public statement has been issued by Marcoleta or Defensor regarding the PHDO.
Marcoleta, a former SAGIP party-list representative and close ally of former president Rodrigo Duterte, was elected to the Senate in 2025. Defensor is a former congressman and former presidential chief of staff who remains active in national politics.
The case is expected to fuel further discussion on campaign finance transparency and alleged irregularities involving political donations.
The order, issued on May 26, 2026, temporarily prevents the four respondents from leaving the country while proceedings continue before the Office of the Ombudsman.
Based on case records, the complaint stems from allegations that Marcoleta received P75 million in campaign donations during his 2025 Senate run, reportedly coming from Defensor, Espiritu, and Viray in separate transactions. Authorities are examining whether the amount and circumstances of the donations may constitute plunder and violations of anti-graft laws.
The case also includes alleged violations of Presidential Decree No. 46, which prohibits public officials from receiving gifts connected to their office or position. Marcoleta is also facing three counts of indirect bribery tied to the same allegations.
The Sandiganbayan’s PHDO was issued under its Seventh Division, ensuring that the respondents remain in the country while legal proceedings and preliminary investigations continue.
Reports indicate that the Ombudsman’s Field Investigation Bureau has recommended the filing of charges, though a final resolution from the Ombudsman is still pending.
The complaint originated from scrutiny of campaign finance declarations and Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE), with investigators also looking into possible discrepancies in related disclosures.
During earlier proceedings, Ombudsman prosecutors argued that the respondents could be considered flight risks given the seriousness of the allegations and the potential penalties involved in plunder cases.
As of writing, no detailed public statement has been issued by Marcoleta or Defensor regarding the PHDO.
Marcoleta, a former SAGIP party-list representative and close ally of former president Rodrigo Duterte, was elected to the Senate in 2025. Defensor is a former congressman and former presidential chief of staff who remains active in national politics.
The case is expected to fuel further discussion on campaign finance transparency and alleged irregularities involving political donations.
May 26, 2026
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