Marcoleta Pleads Not Guilty to Plunder, Gift Law Violation Charges

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Rodante Marcoleta has pleaded not guilty to charges of plunder and violating a presidential decree prohibiting public officials from receiving gifts. Marcoleta, along with his co-accused, Joseph Espiritu, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday, July 22, before the Sandiganbayan's Third Division. The cases involve plunder and an alleged violation of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 46, which prohibits government officials from receiving gifts and private individuals from giving them. The anti-graft court granted the request of Marcoleta's lawyers to withdraw their motion to quash the plunder charge. With that, his arraignment proceeded. His other co-accused, former lawmaker Mike Defensor and Aristotle Viray, also pleaded not guilty to plunder charges on July 15. Currently detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Barangay Payatas following his arrest on July 6, Marcoleta is facing plunder charges along with three counts of violating PD No. 46 before the anti-graft court's Third Division. The same division is also hearing his plunder case alongside co-accused Espiritu and two other campaign donors. State prosecutors allege that Marcoleta accepted P75 million in undeclared campaign contributions while serving as an active party-list lawmaker. The funds reportedly came from Espiritu (P20 million), former lawmaker Defensor (P30 million) and Viray (P25 million), none of which were included in the senator's official financial and election disclosures. This trial brings renewed attention to issues of campaign finance and transparency among politicians in the Philippines, a persistent concern in the country's governance. The proper declaration and handling of campaign funds are critical for public trust and accountability.