Ombudsman says plunder case against Senator Marcoleta to be filed this week

A plunder case against Senator Rodante Marcoleta is set to be filed before the Sandiganbayan this week, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla announced on Monday, June 29. He also revealed that cases involving other senators are progressing.

When asked which senator's case was ready for filing, Remulla replied, “Si Senator Marcoleta. Definitely for resolution na, we’re about to file it already.” He confirmed that the case to be filed before the anti-graft court is for plunder.

Remulla added that Marcoleta's alleged co-respondents, including former lawmaker Michael "Mike" Defensor, would also be named in the complaint. “Kasama ‘yan, kasama sila. Same form at saka jurisdiction."

The Ombudsman also said another case involving a senator is expected to reach the preliminary investigation (PI) stage this week, while a separate case is also nearing filing.

“At least one, isa for PI. Baka dalawa. Isang Sandigan, isang PI," he said.

On May 26, the Sandiganbayan's Seventh Division issued a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against Marcoleta, Defensor, Aristotle Baluyut Viray, and Joseph Varias Espiritu after the Office of the Ombudsman sought to prevent them from leaving the country while plunder and related complaints were under investigation.

According to the Ombudsman, investigators found sufficient basis to allege that Marcoleta received P75 million in gifts or donations from three individuals in January 2025, when he was still serving as a congressman.

The anti-graft office described the amount as "manifestly excessive," noting that a lawmaker earning approximately P299,000 a month would have needed around 20 years to earn the same sum through salary alone.