NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Ombudsman Files Plunder Case Against Marcoleta, Cites P75M Donations
Photo credit: Senate PH
The Office of the Ombudsman has defended its decision to file a plunder case against Senator Rodante Marcoleta, saying the move was based on evidence and legal duty—not politics or public pressure.
In a press statement released Friday, the Ombudsman said the case was filed before the Sandiganbayan after investigators found evidence involving three cash donations totaling ₱75 million that were allegedly not declared in the senator's Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) and campaign finance reports.
The office stressed that filing the case was not a decision made lightly, adding that the evidence left them with "no discretion to look away."
According to the Ombudsman, Marcoleta has publicly acknowledged receiving the money, although the office said the legal question now is whether the undisputed facts amount to plunder and bribery under Philippine law. The senator, however, will have the opportunity to answer the allegations during the trial.
The statement also addressed Marcoleta's reported use of the term "utang na loob" in explaining the donations. While recognizing gratitude as an important Filipino value, the Ombudsman said it has no place in public office when it is used to justify undisclosed funds.
It emphasized that public servants owe their loyalty to the Filipino people, not to private donors, adding that once gratitude is used to explain away millions of pesos in undeclared money, it raises serious legal concerns.
The Ombudsman also acknowledged the intense public debate surrounding the case, saying it respects every citizen's right to express opinions and demand accountability. At the same time, the office assured the public that its actions are guided by evidence and the rule of law—not sentiment, popularity, or fear.
Despite the charges, the Ombudsman emphasized that Marcoleta remains presumed innocent and is entitled to fully defend himself before the Sandiganbayan.
"We did not choose this fight," the office said. "But when the law leaves no room for silence, silence is not an option.”
In a press statement released Friday, the Ombudsman said the case was filed before the Sandiganbayan after investigators found evidence involving three cash donations totaling ₱75 million that were allegedly not declared in the senator's Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) and campaign finance reports.
The office stressed that filing the case was not a decision made lightly, adding that the evidence left them with "no discretion to look away."
According to the Ombudsman, Marcoleta has publicly acknowledged receiving the money, although the office said the legal question now is whether the undisputed facts amount to plunder and bribery under Philippine law. The senator, however, will have the opportunity to answer the allegations during the trial.
The statement also addressed Marcoleta's reported use of the term "utang na loob" in explaining the donations. While recognizing gratitude as an important Filipino value, the Ombudsman said it has no place in public office when it is used to justify undisclosed funds.
It emphasized that public servants owe their loyalty to the Filipino people, not to private donors, adding that once gratitude is used to explain away millions of pesos in undeclared money, it raises serious legal concerns.
The Ombudsman also acknowledged the intense public debate surrounding the case, saying it respects every citizen's right to express opinions and demand accountability. At the same time, the office assured the public that its actions are guided by evidence and the rule of law—not sentiment, popularity, or fear.
Despite the charges, the Ombudsman emphasized that Marcoleta remains presumed innocent and is entitled to fully defend himself before the Sandiganbayan.
"We did not choose this fight," the office said. "But when the law leaves no room for silence, silence is not an option.”
Jul 3, 2026
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