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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcoleta enters not guilty plea to plunder, 'gift-taking' charges

Marcoleta enters not guilty plea to plunder, 'gift-taking' charges

Published Jul 22, 2026 10:35 am
Senator Rodante Marcoleta (Santi San Juan/Manila Bulletin)
Senator Rodante Marcoleta (Santi San Juan/Manila Bulletin)
Sen. Rodante Marcoleta pleaded not guilty to plunder and violation of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 46 before the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Wednesday, July 22.
Marcoleta entered his pleas during his arraignment in the two cases filed against him before the anti-graft court.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge of violating PD 46, which prohibits public officials from receiving gifts or benefits by reason of their official position.
He also pleaded not guilty to the plunder charge under Republic Act No. 7080, involving ₱75 million in donations.
The arraignment proceeded after Marcoleta's camp withdrew its motion to quash the plunder case.
The senator's lawyer asked the court to allow the withdrawal of the motion so Marcoleta could be arraigned in the plunder case, as well as in the PD 46 case, on the same day.
“For humanitarian reasons, to expedite the proceedings, Your Honor,” the lawyer told the court.
The court asked Marcoleta whether the decision to withdraw the motion to quash was made in consultation with him and whether he was voluntarily agreeing to the move.
“Yes, Your Honor,” Marcoleta replied.
He also said the decision was made after thorough discussions with the counsels of his co-accused.
In the PD 46 case, Marcoleta and businessman Joseph Espiritu are accused of involvement in the alleged giving and receiving of ₱25 million.
The prosecution alleged that Espiritu, a private person, gave the money to Marcoleta, who was then a representative of SAGIP Party-list in the House of Representatives, by reason of the latter's official position or function.
Espiritu pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Marcoleta's co-accused in the plunder case, former Rep. Mike Defensor and businessmen Espiritu and Aristotle Viray, earlier pleaded not guilty during their arraignment on July 15.

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SANDIGANBAYAN RODANTE MARCOLETA PLUNDER NOT GUILTY ARRAIGNMENT
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