Marcoleta arrested in P75-M plunder case
MANILA, Philippines (4th update, 1:13 p.m.) — Sen. Rodante Marcoleta was arrested on Monday, July 6, shortly after the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant for his arrest in connection with a P75-million plunder case.
Marcoleta's lawyer said the senator submitted himself voluntarily to the anti-graft court as an "act of good faith." The senator was seen at the Sandiganbayan to process his return of warrant.
He called Marcoleta's arrest a "surrender to the jurisdiction of the court."
Shortly after processing his return of warrant, Marcoleta told reporters at the Sandiganbayan that he had shown up at the anti-graft court prepared to be arrested, as he had no intention of hiding.
Marcoleta said that he went to the court today after learning it had immediately calendared his twin motions to quash the plunder case and to defer the issuance of an arrest warrant. He praised the court's swift action as a positive sign that "the rule of law prevails."
"My purpose in coming here is that if they serve the warrant of arrest, I will accept it," the senator said in mixed English and Filipino.
When asked by reporters on whether his appearance constituted a formal surrender or an arrest, the senator remarked only that he had anticipated "all possibilities."
He added that his legal team is fully prepared to counter the indictment.
Asked for a message to the Iglesia ni Cristo — the group that mounted days of rallies in his defense — Marcoleta stepped away from reporters and turned his back without answering.
Marcoleta and the three others charged in connection with the P75 million donation, specifically former lawmaker Mike Defensor and businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray, are set to be held at the Payatas City Jail.
Police have already arrested Defensor and Espiritu as of Monday noon.
The senator is expected to be detained ahead of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, set on Monday afternoon at the Senate. Plunder is a non-bailable offense.
Sandiganbayan 3rd Division Associate Justice Karl Miranda announced the issuance of the warrant on Monday morning, July 6, after the court denied Marcoleta's bid to delay the warrant and suspend proceedings in the case.
Marcoleta, a senator-judge in the Duterte's trial and a staunch ally of the vice president, is facing a plunder case over P75 million he allegedly received during the 2025 election period.
The case stems from alleged donations that Marcoleta received but did not declare in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures.
The P75 million was allegedly funneled to Marcoleta by former lawmaker Mike Defensor and businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray within a four-day period in January 2025. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier said charges would be filed against Marcoleta, Defensor and others in connection with the alleged transaction.
After Remulla's announcement on the charges on June 30, Iglesia ni Cristo members held two-day protest on EDSA People Power Monument in support of Marcoleta—one of its prominent members—and against what they called selective justice.
The protest later moved to Manila and ended on July 3.
Marcoleta has denied wrongdoing and has described the case against him as fabricated. — with report from Janelle Liong
abtestabtest Romualdez moved to Payatas jail, arraignment set Sept. 16 By Ian Laqui | 1 day ago Former speaker was transferred to the Quezon City jail after independent medical review. Headlines VP Sara ready to replace Marcos, says spokesperson By Bella Cariaso | 14 hours ago Vice President Sara Duterte is ready to replace President Marcos in case the latter resigns, according to her spokesman.... Headlines Congress urged: Permanently remove system loss charge By Delon Porcalla | 14 hours ago It’s now the turn of Congress – the Senate and the House of Representatives – to do its part in giving relief... Headlines Chiz OKs presentation of VP’s SALNs from 2007 By Neil Jayson Servallos | 14 hours ago The Senate impeachment court will scrutinize Vice President Sara Duterte’s financial records starting from her time... Headlines Sara Duterte trial, Sept. 15: VP's net worth, business interests By Cristina Chi | 23 hours ago Prosecutors zoomed in on key documents on Tuesday, Sept. 15, showing that Vice President Sara Duterte's declared net worth... Headlines Latest More in Headlines Supreme Court presses Congress to enact anti-dynasty law 'Truth, fairness': Ex-CJ Panganiban questions fixed impeachment math Remulla says Roque asylum bid denied; Roque disputes claim Ex-Duterte vlogger RJ Nieto gets Palace assistant secretary post abtest LIVE Coverage: Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, Sept. 16 By PhilstarLIVE | 6 hours ago Follow the trial, in context and in real time. Headlines Scams, other cybercrimes rise to record 8% of families, says SWS By Renalyn Ramirez | 6 hours ago One in 12 Filipino families had a member fall victim to cybercrime in the past 6 months. Headlines Lapid: No official has filed a truly honest SALN? By Marc Jayson Cayabyab | 13 hours ago In an interjection rarely seen, Sen. Lito Lapid yesterday took the podium to bare what he called a reality in the filing of... Headlines Romualdez mugshots at Quezon City jail released By Emmanuel Tupas | 14 hours ago Mugshots of Leyte congressman Martin Romualdez were released yesterday to the public, showing the former speaker in yellow... Headlines BARMM polls: Federalist party gets big bloc slot By John Unson | 14 hours ago The Bangsamoro Federalist Party ranked first in the Sept. 14 elections for bloc nominations to the 80-seat parliament... Headlines Recommended Chiz OKs presentation of VP’s SALNs from 2007 14 hours ago The Senate impeachment court will scrutinize Vice President Sara Duterte’s financial records starting from her time... HeadlinesFRANCIS ESCUDERO VP Sara ready to replace Marcos, says spokesperson 14 hours ago Vice President Sara Duterte is ready to replace President Marcos in case the latter resigns, according to her spokesman.... HeadlinesPAOLO PANELO Congress urged: Permanently remove system loss charge 14 hours ago It’s now the turn of Congress – the Senate and the House of Representatives – to do its part in giving relief... HeadlinesELECTRICITY DOJ summons Padilla over Bato’s escape from Senate 14 hours ago For helping fugitive Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa escape from the Senate in May, the Department of Justice has... HeadlinesROBINHOOD PADILLARONALD “BATO” DELA ROSA Pinoys all in for Eala 14 hours ago They’re all in. PSC. POC. PHILTA. The Senate. All behind Alex Eala. HeadlinesALEX EALA next Recommended Chiz OKs presentation of VP’s SALNs from 2007 The Senate impeachment court will scrutinize Vice President Sara Duterte’s financial records starting from her time as a local official in Davao City to establish a “baseline” for her wealth, presiding officer Sen. Francis Escudero said yesterday. 14 hours ago FRANCIS ESCUDERO VP Sara ready to replace Marcos, says spokesperson Vice President Sara Duterte is ready to replace President Marcos in case the latter resigns, according to her spokesman. 14 hours ago PAOLO PANELO Congress urged: Permanently remove system loss charge It’s now the turn of Congress – the Senate and the House of Representatives – to do its part in giving relief to consumers burdened by high electricity bills, by passing a law that would permanently remove the system loss charges, Rep. Arthur Yap of Murang Kuryente party-list said yesterday. 14 hours ago ELECTRICITY DOJ summons Padilla over Bato’s escape from Senate For helping fugitive Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa escape from the Senate in May, the Department of Justice has summoned Sen. Robinhood Padilla over allegations of obstruction of justice. 14 hours ago ROBINHOOD PADILLA RONALD “BATO” DELA ROSA Pinoys all in for Eala They’re all in. PSC. POC. PHILTA. The Senate. All behind Alex Eala. 14 hours ago ALEX EALA OK Are you sure you want to log out? Yes No X Login Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!
