The Sandiganbayan ordered the arrest of Senator Rodante Marcoleta on July 6 over an alleged P75 million undeclared campaign donation. The Department of Justice clarified that plunder cases can involve private funds.
The Sandiganbayan ordered the arrest of Senator Rodante Marcoleta on plunder charges on Monday, July 6. The case involves questions over an undeclared P75 million campaign donation from former congressman Mike Defensor and businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray during the 2025 midterm elections.
Marcoleta appeared in court before the warrant was issued. He was taken into custody along with Defensor and Espiritu. They are set to be detained at Payatas City Jail.
The Department of Justice stated on July 6 that plunder cases do not require public funds. Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty said the Anti-Plunder Law covers benefits received by reason of public office.
Marcoleta denies the accusations. He claims the charges aim to silence him from exposing alleged flood control corruption.
