Published by: Keshia Gwyneth Esposa
Date Published: July 7, 2026
Time Published: 8:42 AM
The Sandiganbayan arrested Senator Rodante Marcoleta on July 6 over a ₱75-million plunder case after finding probable cause involving alleged undeclared campaign donations during the 2025 elections.
The Sandiganbayan Third Division issued the warrant after denying Marcoleta's motions to dismiss the case, suspend the proceedings, and stop the implementation of the arrest warrant.
Associate Justice Karl Miranda said that the court found probable cause but emphasized that the warrant does not determine guilt.
Marcoleta voluntarily appeared before the anti-graft court and said he expected the warrant. He stated that he would not hide and would face the charges.
Authorities brought him to Camp Crame for booking before transferring him to the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas.
The Office of the Ombudsman filed the plunder case, alleging that Marcoleta received ₱75 million in campaign donations from former Anakalusugan Representative Michael Defensor and businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray last January 2025.
Prosecutors stated that Marcoleta failed to declare the funds in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) and campaign finance reports. They also alleged that the donor's taxes were paid only in December 2025, which they cited as evidence of concealment.
Aside from plunder, Marcoleta and his co-accused also face charges for violating Presidential Decree No. 46, which prohibits public officials from receiving gifts or benefits related to their official duties.
Marcoleta denied the allegations and maintained that the case is politically motivated. Under Republic Act No. 7080 (Plunder Law), a person charged with plunder may be granted bail only if the court determines, after a bail hearing, that the evidence of guilt is not strong.
REFERENCES:
GMA Network. (2026, July 6). Arrest warrant out for Rodante Marcoleta, 3 others over P75-M plunder case
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/993635/sandiganbayan-arrest-warrant-rodante-marcoleta-plunder-case/story
Inquirer.net. (2026, July 6). Marcoleta to be detained at Payatas jail over plunder case
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2258243/marcoleta-to-be-detained-at-payatas-jail-over-plunder-case
Philstar. (2026, July 6). Marcoleta arrested in P75-M plunder case
https://share.google/YswVPe0hU8th1n1iU
Office of the Ombudsman. Republic Act No. 7080 (Plunder Law)
https://share.google/iy5Ia4quTD4uNIZSG
Arrest warrant out for Rodante Marcoleta, 3 others over P75-M plunder case
www.gmanetwork.com
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