Sen. Rodante Marcoleta surrendered and was placed under arrest after the Sandiganbayan found probable cause to try him on a non-bailable plunder charge involving an alleged P75 million in illegal campaign donations, just hours before he was set to sit as a senator-judge in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.
Marcoleta was later taken to the PNP General Hospital after complaining of chest pains, while co-accused former lawmaker Michael Defensor and businessman Joseph Espiritu were also arrested, with another suspect still being pursued by authorities.
The Sandiganbayan stressed that the arrest warrant is based on probable cause and does not constitute a conviction, while assuring the public that the case will be decided free from political pressure.
The Department of Justice said the alleged donations could constitute plunder if proven to be ill-gotten wealth amounting to at least P50 million, while Marcoleta maintained his innocence and vowed to face the judicial process.
Malacañang, meanwhile, urged the accused to present evidence to support their claims, as the Philippine National Police heightened security to prevent disruptions following recent protests.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 7, 2026
