By Benny Reyes
MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman has elevated its case against Senator Rodante Marcoleta by filing a plunder complaint before the Sandiganbayan in connection with an alleged P75 million received as campaign donations.
The complaint identified former Anakalusugan Representative Mike Defensor, Aristotle Viray, and Joseph Espiritu as the alleged donors, contributing P30 million, P25 million, and P20 million, respectively, for Marcoleta’s 2025 senatorial bid.
Investigators noted that while the total amount surpassed the P50 million benchmark under Republic Act No. 7080, Marcoleta argued that the money did not constitute public funds and therefore should not be treated as plunder.
The Ombudsman likewise questioned the senator’s asset disclosures, saying the donations were not reflected in his June 30, 2025 Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth. The complaint stated that Marcoleta reported assets amounting to P39.6 million, while his December 2025 SALN showed cash and savings totaling P16.7 million.
In his defense, Marcoleta said the donations had already been spent on legitimate campaign-related expenditures before his SALNs were prepared, explaining why they were no longer included among his declared assets.
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