Marcoleta solicited campaign donation, says ombudsman witness

MANILA, Philippines — Detained Sen. Rodante Marcoleta’s donor claimed that the lawmaker was the one who solicited campaign donation for his 2025 senatorial run, according to a witness presented by the ombudsman. Field Investigation Bureau director Maria Melinda Mananghaya-Henson testified before the Sandiganbayan that Marcoleta solicited campaign donations from businessman Aristotle Viray, who is a co-accused in his plunder case. Henson said this was based on Viray’s counter-affidavit submitted before the ombudsman during the preliminary investigation of the case. Henson said another campaign donor, businessman Joseph Espiritu, made the donation as a gesture of friendship. The ombudsman official also said the donors’ taxes of Espiritu and former congressman Michael Defensor were paid by Ebenezer Santos, who was found to be working for the senator. Henson said that while the payment appears to come from different people, it is clear that Marcoleta “had a hand” in the payment of donor’s taxes, based on documents. Espiritu, Viray and Defensor were Marcoleta’s co-accused in the P75-million plunder case he is facing. Responding to criticism from netizens that allowing Marcoleta and Defensor to hold a press conference is a form of special treatment, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology spokesman Superintendent Jayrex Joseph Bustinera said the briefing was made upon the request of reporters covering the Sandiganbayan. “It was permitted by the Sandiganbayan,” Bustinera said.