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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'I am quite sure': Marcoleta confident 'fabricated' plunder rap will be dismissed

'I am quite sure': Marcoleta confident 'fabricated' plunder rap will be dismissed

Published Jul 1, 2026 08:43 pm

Senator Rodante Marcoleta expressed confidence on Wednesday, July 1, that any plunder complaint that may be filed against him would eventually be dismissed, insisting that the allegations have no legal basis under the country's plunder law.

(RODANTE MARCOLETA FACEBOOK PAGE)
(RODANTE MARCOLETA FACEBOOK PAGE)

In an interview with Russia Today, Marcoleta dismissed accusations that he accepted illegal campaign donations, describing the allegations as "fabricated" and maintaining that the funds he received were lawful campaign contributions permitted under Philippine election laws.

Marcoleta argued that the alleged offense does not fall within the scope of the Plunder Law, which he said penalizes the accumulation of ill-gotten wealth rather than the receipt of private campaign donations.

"Our plunder law is about amassing ill-gotten wealth. It is not about getting election financial support from friends," he said.

"That is why I am quite sure that this particular charge, if they will pursue it, will be junked by the court in due time," he added.

The senator said the donations were received before the official campaign period, were properly reported, and that the corresponding donors' taxes had been paid.

He also claimed he was being targeted because of his efforts to investigate alleged irregularities in government flood control projects during his time as chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

According to Marcoleta, those allegedly involved in the supposed corruption are attempting to stop his investigation by filing cases against him.

Marcoleta likewise linked the timing of the planned case to the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, which is set to begin on July 6.

He alleged that authorities intend to have him arrested before the proceedings so that he will be unable to participate in the trial.

Marcoleta reiterated that he is not worried about the outcome of the case, saying the allegations involve private funds and not public money or government contracts.

"I am very sure that the court will not find me guilty because these are all fabricated cases," he said.

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Rodante Marcoleta plunder Sandiganbayan
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