Marcoleta, Ex-Lawmaker to Face Plunder Charges

The Office of the Ombudsman announced on Monday that it is preparing to file a non-bailable plunder case against Senator Rodante D. Marcoleta and former Quezon City Rep. Michael “Mike” T. Defensor before the Sandiganbayan this week. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla stated during a press briefing, “Senator Marcoleta’s case is already for resolution. We’re about to file it.” He added that the case against Senator Marcoleta is ready for filing, while separate cases involving two other senators remain under preliminary investigation. “That is one of the cases we are currently finalizing together with other plunder complaints that we expect to file within the next two to three weeks,” Mr. Remulla said. He emphasized that the Office of the Ombudsman has adopted a strategy of completing its case buildup before filing charges in court to prevent unnecessary delays in the proceedings. “We build our cases thoroughly so that once the evidence is complete, we can immediately file them. We will not file a case unless we are ready,” he asserted. Senator Marcoleta’s office has not yet issued a statement regarding the filing. Mr. Defensor also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The plunder complaint stems from allegations involving P75 million in campaign contributions that prosecutors claim were not properly disclosed during the 2025 midterm elections. Senator Marcoleta has denied any wrongdoing, arguing that the funds were received before the start of the official campaign period and therefore constituted personal funds. Plunder in the Philippines is a non-bailable offense punishable by life imprisonment, typically involving public officials who amass wealth through illicit means. This development underscores the ongoing scrutiny of campaign finance transparency in the country.