MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan Seventh Division has ordered a precautionary hold departure order against Senator Rodante Marcoleta, ex-lawmaker Mike Defensor, and two others over allegations tied to a supposed P75-million campaign donation.
The order, issued Tuesday, also includes Aristotle Baluyut Viray and Joseph Varias Espiritu after the Office of the Ombudsman sought to prevent the respondents from leaving the country while investigations continue.
The Ombudsman earlier filed complaints for plunder and indirect bribery and is also eyeing charges under Presidential Decree No. 46, which bars government officials and employees from receiving gifts from private individuals.
Under Philippine law, a precautionary hold departure order authorizes the Bureau of Immigration to stop individuals facing serious criminal accusations from traveling abroad.
The anti-graft court stressed that the order was issued as a preventive measure and does not mean the respondents are guilty of the accusations.
At the hearing, prosecutors asked the court to bar the media from covering the proceedings, citing concerns that the ongoing investigation could be affected. Associate Justice Georgina Hidalgo, however, ruled there was no sufficient reason to exclude reporters provided they maintained order inside the courtroom.
The Ombudsman presented witnesses during the proceedings, including Maria Melinda Mananghaya-Henson of the agency’s Field Investigation Bureau.
Questioned by the court on why Marcoleta was considered a flight risk, Mananghaya-Henson said the senator allegedly has the political influence, resources, and capability to evade liability.
She further claimed that the alleged P75-million contribution was not included in Marcoleta’s SALN submitted to the Senate in 2025. Records showed that the senator declared a net worth of P39.6 million covering assets accumulated from 1992 up to June 2025.
According to the Ombudsman official, Marcoleta’s declared wealth may not be enough to cover a possible forfeiture amounting to P75 million.
ia/xf
