Ombudsman set to file plunder raps vs Marcoleta this week
MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman is set to file plunder charges this week against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta in connection with campaign donations during the 2025 elections, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said Monday, June 29.
"It is for resolution. We are about to file it already," Remulla told reporters at a press briefing.
Ombudsman field investigators had earlier recommended the indictment of Marcoleta, former lawmaker Mike Defensor, Joseph Varias Espiritu and Aristotle Viray for plunder under Republic Act No. 7080 and for violation of Presidential Decree No. 46, which prohibits public officials from receiving gifts.
Investigators also recommended that Marcoleta be charged with indirect bribery.
Remulla, however, did not say whether the indirect bribery charge would also be filed.
Campaign donations issue. The complaint stemmed from an earlier Commission on Elections investigation into Marcoleta's alleged failure to disclose campaign donations in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures.
According to the Ombudsman's investigation, P75 million in donations was allegedly funneled to Marcoleta by Defensor, Espiritu and Viray within a four-day period in January 2025.
Following the Ombudsman findings, the Sandiganbayan issued a preliminary hold departure order against Marcoleta and the three others on May 26.
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