Sen. Rodante Marcoleta was arrested on July 6 after the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant in connection with a P75-million plunder case, with the lawmaker saying he willingly submitted to the court and is prepared to fight the charges through legal proceedings.

Sen. Rodante Marcoleta Arrested Over P75-M Plunder Warrant

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Rodante Marcoleta was arrested on Monday, July 6, after the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant for his arrest in connection with the P75-million plunder case filed against him and three co-accused.

Marcoleta appeared before the anti-graft court shortly after the warrant was issued, saying he had deliberately gone there prepared to face arrest and had no intention of evading the legal process.

Speaking to reporters after the return of the warrant was processed, the senator said he decided to personally appear before the Sandiganbayan after learning that the court had immediately scheduled hearings on his twin motions seeking to quash the plunder case and defer the issuance of an arrest warrant.

He described the court’s prompt action as an encouraging indication that due process was being observed. “My purpose in coming here is that if they serve the warrant of arrest, I will accept it,” Marcoleta said in a mix of English and Filipino.

When asked whether his appearance should be considered a formal surrender or an arrest, Marcoleta declined to characterize it, saying only that he had anticipated “all possibilities.”

Despite the arrest, the senator expressed confidence in his legal defense, stressing that his lawyers are fully prepared to challenge the charges filed against him.

Marcoleta, however, refused to respond when asked for a message to members of the Iglesia ni Cristo, whose supporters had staged several days of rallies expressing solidarity with him. Instead of answering, he turned away from reporters and left without making a statement.

The senator is among four individuals charged over the alleged misuse of a P75-million donation. His co-accused include former lawmaker Mike Defensor and businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray.

Authorities confirmed that Defensor and Espiritu had also been arrested as of Monday noon, while all four accused are expected to be detained at the Payatas City Jail pending further court proceedings.

The plunder case is among the most closely watched legal battles involving a sitting senator, with proceedings expected to continue before the Sandiganbayan in the coming weeks.

Marcoleta to Be Detained Ahead of Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial After Arrest in Plunder Case

Sen. Rodante Marcoleta is expected to remain in detention after the Sandiganbayan ordered his arrest on Monday, July 6, over a non-bailable P75-million plunder case, just hours before the Senate was set to convene for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Marcoleta, who serves as one of the senator-judges in Duterte’s impeachment proceedings and is considered one of her staunchest allies, now faces detention as the high-profile trial begins on Monday afternoon.

The arrest came after the Sandiganbayan Third Division denied Marcoleta’s motions seeking to postpone the issuance of an arrest warrant and suspend court proceedings. Associate Justice Karl Miranda announced the issuance of the warrant on Monday morning, paving the way for authorities to take the senator into custody.

The plunder charge, a non-bailable offense under Philippine law, stems from allegations that Marcoleta received P75 million in campaign donations during the 2025 election period but failed to declare the amount in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).

Investigators alleged that the funds were transferred to Marcoleta over a four-day period in January 2025 through former lawmaker Mike Defensor and businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray.

Earlier, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that plunder charges would be filed against Marcoleta, Defensor, and the other respondents in connection with the alleged transactions.

The filing of charges sparked public demonstrations from members of the Iglesia ni Cristo, where Marcoleta is a prominent member. Following Remulla’s announcement on June 30, supporters staged a two-day protest at the EDSA People Power Monument, denouncing what they described as selective justice.

The demonstrations later moved to Manila before concluding on July 3.

Despite the charges, Marcoleta has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the allegations against him are fabricated and politically motivated. His legal team has vowed to challenge the indictment as the case proceeds before the Sandiganbayan.

With the senator now in detention and facing a non-bailable offense, his legal battle is expected to unfold alongside the Senate’s historic impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

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Marcoleta to Be Detained Ahead of Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial After Arrest in Plunder Case