The Office of the Ombudsman has asked the Sandiganbayan to issue precautionary hold departure orders against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, former congressman Mike Defensor, and two others following their indictment for plunder and other charges over an alleged ₱75-million campaign donation in the 2025 elections.
The case alleges that the contributions exceeded legal limits and were not properly declared in official financial disclosures.
Investigators also cited possible violations of anti-graft laws, including indirect bribery and election-related offenses involving donors Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray.
The Ombudsman said the amount involved surpassed the ₱50-million threshold for plunder under Philippine law.
Marcoleta denied the accusations, calling them politically motivated due to his involvement in Senate investigations and high-profile political inquiries.
He vowed to continue his work despite the charges, while Defensor expressed confidence that they would be cleared.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 26, 2026
