Sandiganbayan orders 90-day suspension of Senator Rodante Marcoleta

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 19, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Panay News

The Sandiganbayan has ordered the 90-day preventive suspension of Senator Rodante Marcoleta in connection with the criminal cases he faces before the anti-graft court.

Marcoleta is facing a plunder charge over allegations that he failed to disclose ₱75 million in campaign donations he allegedly received while serving as a member of the House of Representatives. He has denied the accusations and pleaded not guilty.

The Office of the Ombudsman also filed separate cases against the senator and alleged donors over the purported giving and receiving of benefits in violation of the anti-gift law.

The cases stem from allegations involving donations from former lawmaker Mike Defensor and businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray. Prosecutors have alleged that the funds were not properly declared, an accusation that remains subject to judicial proceedings.

The Sandiganbayan’s preventive suspension is a legal measure pending the resolution of the cases and does not, by itself, establish guilt.