The Field Investigation Bureau of the Ombudsman has recommended the filing of plunder and indirect bribery complaints against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta over the alleged receipt of P75 million in campaign donations.
According to the Ombudsman’s complaint-affidavit, Marcoleta allegedly accepted separate donations totaling P75 million from three individuals in January 2025.
The recommendation also includes the filing of charges against former Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Mike Defensor, Joseph Varias Espiritu, and Aristotle Baluyut Viray, who were identified as the alleged sources of the funds.
The complaint-affidavit stated that Marcoleta allegedly received P30 million from Defensor, P25 million from Espiritu, and P20 million from Viray.
The Ombudsman’s Field Investigation Bureau recommended that plunder and indirect bribery cases be pursued based on its findings regarding the alleged transactions.
The recommendation marks a significant development involving the senator and the three individuals named in the complaint.
Defensor, however, questioned the motive behind the Ombudsman’s action and rejected the allegations against him.
He argued that the case lacks legal basis, maintaining that the money involved consisted of personal donations and not government funds.
Defensor also disputed the allegations contained in the complaint-affidavit and insisted that the donations were made in a personal capacity.
The Ombudsman’s recommendation is not yet a final ruling on the case. It serves as a recommendation for the filing of charges based on the bureau’s investigation and findings.
