The Sandiganbayan’s Third Division ordered detained Sen. Rodante Marcoleta to explain why he should not be suspended from the Senate. The order was issued on July 22.
The two-page order gave Marcoleta’s camp a non-extendible period of 10 days from notice to submit his explanation. It followed Section 5 of Republic Act 7080 or the Anti-Plunder Act, as well as the Sandiganbayan’s revised internal rules.
On the same day, Marcoleta pleaded not guilty to the charges of plunder and violation of Presidential Decree 46 that prohibits public officials from receiving gifts. Also entering his not guilty plea was his co-accused Joseph Espiritu, who reportedly gave the lawmaker P20 million out of the total P75 million worth of campaign donations.
Marcoleta’s camp decided to withdraw his motion to quash the plunder charge, thus his arraignment proceeded. In June, the Sandiganbayan’s Second Division imposed a 90-day preventive suspension on Sen. Jinggoy Estrada due to one of his graft cases.
