Plunder raps filed vs. Senator Marcoleta over P75 million undeclared campaign contributions

The Office of the Ombudsman on Friday (July 3, 2026) filed non-bailable plunder charges against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta over P75 million in undeclared campaign contributions allegedly received for his 2025 Senate bid.

Marcoleta has been charged with three counts of violating Presidential Decree No. 46, which prohibits public officers from accepting gifts while in office, according to a report of the Philippine News Agency.

His co-accused in this case include former Quezon City Congressman Mike Defensor, Joseph Esperitu, and Aristotle Viray.

Marcoleta's indictment has proceeded despite several days of protests from his supporters, led by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC).

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano earlier said the looming non-bailable plunder case against Marcoleta is “nonsense” and only meant to create a “chilling effect” on those actively fighting to expose the truth behind the billion-peso flood control scam.

Cayetano made the remark in an ambush interview on June 30, 2026 when he joined the protest of over 10,000 Filipinos along EDSA to push back against law-bending, selective justice, and large-scale corruption in the government.

In 2025, Marcoleta declared a net worth of P51 million but reported having spent P112 million on his senatorial bid, ultimately securing the 6th spot in the race.

He stated that the campaign funds were received in three tranches in January 2025.

According to Marcoleta, these funds were provided by donors who chose to remain anonymous but wished to support his candidacy based on his professional competence.

-Paraluman News