The Sandiganbayan Third Division has scheduled the arraignment of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta for a plunder case on July 10 at 8:30 a.m. The proceedings follow the issuance of an arrest warrant by Associate Justice Karl Miranda on Monday morning regarding allegations involving P75 million in campaign donations.
The Case Against Senator Marcoleta
The charges stem from P75 million in campaign donations received by Senator Marcoleta while he was a sitting party-list lawmaker. According to the court, the funds were allegedly provided by former Rep. Mike Defensor, who reportedly donated P30 million, along with private citizens Aristotle Viray, who contributed P25 million, and Joseph Espiritu, who contributed P20 million for the senator’s 2025 election bid.
State prosecutors have highlighted that the total amount exceeds the P50 million threshold required for a plunder charge under Republic Act (RA) 7080. Furthermore, prosecutors noted that these funds were not reflected in the senator’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) as of June 30, 2025.
Defense and Current Status
In his counter-affidavit, Senator Marcoleta maintained that the donations were not public funds. Regarding the SALN discrepancies, the senator stated that the money was not listed because the funds had already been utilized for election-related purposes and were no longer assets held by him at the time of the declaration. He further described the contributions as an “utang na loob,” or debt of gratitude, to his friends.
Following the issuance of the arrest warrant, Senator Marcoleta was taken into custody but was subsequently hospitalized due to high blood pressure. Interior chief Jonvic Remulla stated that the senator is expected to be discharged within two days. His co-accused—Defensor, Viray, and Espiritu—have also been arrested. Defensor and Espiritu have been transferred to the New Quezon City Jail in Barangay Payatas, while Viray was taken into custody on Monday night.
What Happens During Arraignment
The July 10 hearing marks the formal start of the criminal trial. During this session, the court will read the charges against the accused. Senator Marcoleta and his co-accused will then be required to enter a plea of either guilty or not guilty to the plunder charges.
