GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
DILG releases mugshots of Marcoleta, 2 co-accused in plunder case
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday released the mugshots of Senator Rodante Marcoleta and his co-accused, former lawmaker Mike Defensor and businessman Joseph Espiritu, after they were arrested for alleged plunder.
Marcoleta was arrested earlier today after the Sandiganbayan issued an arrest warrant in connection with the P75-million plunder case filed against him over the undeclared campaign donation that the lawmaker received for his 2025 senatorial bid.
With plunder as a non-bailable offense, Marcoleta and his co-accused, including businessman Aristotle Baluyut Viray, must file a motion seeking bail before they can secure temporary liberty.
They are also facing separate cases for violation of the Presidential Decree 46 (PD 46) prohibiting public officials from receiving, directly or indirectly, any gift, present or any other form of benefit in the course of official duties.
Marcoleta is facing three counts of violation of PD 46 while Defensor, Espiritu and Viray are each facing one count of violation of PD 46.
On July 3, the Ombudsman filed plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan against the senator over the campaign contributions that he received.
According to the Ombudsman, the senator received the P75 million on three separate occasions:
- January 6, 2025 — P30 million
- January 8, 2025 — P25 million
- January 9, 2025 — P20 million
READ: TIMELINE: The plunder case vs. Rodante Marcoleta over P75M campaign contributions
Marcoleta said he already anticipated the issuance of an arrest warrant and is ready to face it.
"Pag punta ko dito inaasahan ko na lahat. Ako ay hindi magtatago, haharapin ko lahat. Kung i-serve nila ang warrant ay tatanggapin ko," he said.
(I expected everything when I came here. I will face it all and not hide. I will yield if they serve the warrant.) —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA News
