Marcoleta Pleads Not Guilty to Plunder, PD 46 Charges

Senator Rodante Marcoleta on Wednesday entered a not guilty plea on the plunder and violation of Presidential Decree 46 charges filed against him before the Sandiganbayan Third Division. In a report, Super Radyo dzBB's Allan Gatus said Marcoleta's camp withdrew their motion to quash, paving the way for the senator's arraignment on both cases. Marcoleta's co-accused Joseph Varias Espiritu also pleaded not guilty. The cases are in connection with the P75-million undeclared campaign donation that the lawmaker received for his 2025 senatorial bid. The Ombudsman earlier said their evidence includes three cash donations totaling P75 million, undeclared in the senator's SALN (Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth) and campaign finance reports. Meanwhile, Presidential Decree 46 (PD 46) prohibits public officials from receiving, directly or indirectly, any gift, present, or any other form of benefit in the course of official duties. —AOL, GMA News