Rodante Marcoleta Arrested Over ₱75-M Plunder Case

Senator Rodante Marcoleta was arrested on Monday, July 6, 2026, after the Sandiganbayan Third Division ordered his arrest in connection with a plunder case involving ₱75 million in allegedly undeclared campaign donations.

Marcoleta personally appeared before the anti-graft court and said he was prepared to face the case and would not resist the service of the warrant.

Sandiganbayan Rejects Motions to Dismiss

The arrest order was announced after the court rejected motions seeking to dismiss the case.

Marcoleta was then placed under custody and was expected to undergo the standard booking process at Camp Crame.

Because plunder is a non-bailable offense, he cannot automatically post bail. However, he may still ask the court to grant temporary liberty through a separate motion for bail.

Three Others Also Ordered Arrested

Aside from Marcoleta, the Sandiganbayan also ordered the arrest of three alleged campaign donors:

• Former Anakalusugan party-list representative Michael Defensor
• Businessman Joseph Varias Espiritu
• Businessman Aristotle Baluyut Viray

The four were charged over three alleged cash donations totaling ₱75 million.

Authorities said the amounts were reportedly received on separate dates in January 2025:

• ₱30 million on January 6
• ₱25 million on January 8
• ₱20 million on January 9

Why Marcoleta Is Facing a Plunder Case

The Office of the Ombudsman alleged that the donations were not properly declared in Marcoleta’s Statement of Campaign Expenditures and Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.

Prosecutors also pointed to the delayed payment of donor’s tax, which they argued may indicate an effort to conceal the transactions.

Marcoleta has denied wrongdoing and described the accusations as an attempt to silence him because of his criticism of the administration and his role in investigating alleged flood-control corruption.

Other Charges Filed

Aside from plunder, Marcoleta and the three other accused are also facing separate cases for alleged violations of Presidential Decree No. 46.

The law prohibits public officials from receiving gifts, benefits, or other forms of advantage in connection with their official duties.

Marcoleta reportedly faces three counts under PD 46, while Defensor, Espiritu, and Viray each face one count.

What Happens Next?

Marcoleta and the other accused will be arraigned and allowed to formally answer the charges.

The prosecution must still prove the allegations in court. The arrest and filing of charges do not mean that Marcoleta or his co-accused have already been found guilty.

Any motion for bail, dismissal, or other legal remedy will be decided by the Sandiganbayan based on the evidence and applicable law.

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