Marcoleta Co-Accused Plead Not Guilty to Plunder Charges

Co-accused of Senator Rodante Marcoleta, including former lawmaker Mike Defensor, have pleaded not guilty to plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan, the Philippines' anti-graft court. Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray also entered not guilty pleas before the court's Third Division on Wednesday, July 15. Senator Marcoleta himself has yet to be arraigned as his motion to quash the plunder case, seeking its dismissal, is still pending. The case stems from allegations that Marcoleta received P75 million in campaign funds during the 2025 elections that were not declared in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures. It is alleged that Defensor, Viray, and Espiritu funneled this amount to Marcoleta over a four-day period in January 2025. Meanwhile, Senator Marcoleta, who was previously confined at the Philippine National Police General Hospital, has been cleared of pneumonia based on his X-ray, according to Philippine General Hospital Director Gerardo Legaspi. His hypertension is now under control and manageable on an outpatient basis. Consequently, Marcoleta has been transferred to the New Quezon City Jail dormitory in Payatas, Quezon City. This development underscores the ongoing scrutiny of campaign finance transparency and accountability in Philippine politics. The accurate declaration of campaign funds by elected officials and public servants is crucial for maintaining public trust and avoiding legal repercussions.