Senator Rodante D. Marcoleta pleaded not guilty to plunder and gift-related charges before the Sandiganbayan on Wednesday, amidst allegations that he failed to declare P75 million in campaign contributions during the 2025 midterm elections.
Marcoleta entered a not guilty plea before the anti-graft court's Third Division after withdrawing an earlier motion to quash the plunder information filed against him.
During the arraignment, Marcoleta's lawyer, Rodolfo A. Sabulao, Jr., asked the court to proceed with the arraignment to expedite the case.
Businessman Joseph V. Espiritu also pleaded not guilty to an alleged violation of Presidential Decree No. 46, which prohibits public officials from receiving gifts and private individuals from giving them.
The charges stem from allegations that Marcoleta failed to disclose P75 million in campaign contributions while serving as a congressman and running for the Senate.
Prosecutors alleged that the donations consisted of P30 million from former Quezon City Rep. Michael "Mike" T. Defensor, P25 million from Espiritu, and P20 million from businessman Aristotle B. Viray.
The prosecution said the contributions were omitted from Marcoleta's statement of contributions and expenditures and his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth, forming the basis of the plunder and related gift charges.
Marcoleta and his co-accused had earlier been issued arrest warrants after the Sandiganbayan found probable cause to proceed with the cases.
They were later committed to the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory in Payatas following the issuance of commitment orders.
Marcoleta faces multiple charges, including a separate count of alleged violation of PD No. 46 before the Sandiganbayan's Fourth Division, where Defensor is his co-accused.
The cases are among several charges filed against the senator and his alleged donors over campaign contributions that prosecutors claim were not properly disclosed in documents required under election and anti-corruption laws.
