MANILA, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman filed plunder charges at the Sandiganbayan against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta on Friday for receiving P75 million in campaign funds and not disclosing them on his Statement of Contribution and Expenses.
The funds were allegedly received by Marcoleta during his time as lawmaker at the House of Representatives.
In a statement, the Ombudsman said that the decision to file charges against Marcoleta was not made lightly or by choice, noting that the evidence included the three cash donations that were undeclared in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).
"These facts are not in dispute; the senator has publicly confirmed receiving the money, and they can be stipulated at the onset of trial. What remains is a question of law: whether these undisputed facts constitute plunder and bribery," the Ombudsman said.
The case has been raffled off at the Sandiganbayan's third division.
Marcoleta has denied the charges and said that he was ready to face these allegations.
