Marcoleta Suspended for 90 Days: What Happens Next in the ₱75-Million Plunder Case?

MANILA, Philippines — October 20, 2026

Senator Rodante Marcoleta has been ordered suspended from performing his duties as a senator for 90 days after the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division ruled that preventive suspension was required in connection with the plunder case involving ₱75 million in alleged undeclared campaign contributions.

The anti-graft court issued the resolution on October 19, saying the suspension was mandatory after it determined that the criminal charges, formally known as Informations, were valid. The 90-day period will take effect upon Marcoleta’s receipt of the resolution and will automatically end when the period expires, according to reports by Philstar.com and BusinessMirror.

The ruling marks another significant development in the high-profile case against the senator, whose alleged campaign contributions have drawn scrutiny from the Office of the Ombudsman and the courts.

Why Was Marcoleta Ordered Suspended?

According to the charges, Marcoleta allegedly received ₱75 million in campaign contributions for his 2025 senatorial bid while he was serving as a representative of the SAGIP Party-list.

The alleged donations were attributed to three individuals:

Mike Defensor: ₱30 million
Joseph Espiritu: ₱25 million
Aristotle Viray: ₱20 million

Investigators alleged that the contributions were not properly declared in Marcoleta’s Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) and raised concerns about the reporting of the funds.

The Ombudsman subsequently filed a plunder charge and three counts involving an alleged violation of Presidential Decree No. 46, which prohibits public officials from receiving certain gifts and private individuals from giving or offering them under circumstances covered by the law.

Marcoleta and his co-accused face allegations that must be resolved through the judicial process. The accusations are not, by themselves, proof of guilt.

Sandiganbayan: Preventive Suspension Is Mandatory

In its October 19 resolution, the Sandiganbayan Third Division explained that preventive suspension is mandatory when the legal requirements under the applicable anti-graft and anti-plunder laws have been met.

The court cited Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Republic Act No. 7080, or the Anti-Plunder Act.

The tribunal maintained that once the Informations were determined to be valid, issuing the preventive suspension order became a legal duty rather than a matter of discretion.

Marcoleta had raised arguments involving his constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and political participation, as well as questions about the court’s jurisdiction over the case. The court indicated that these issues should be addressed during the proceedings rather than used to prevent the issuance of the suspension order at this stage.

Importantly, the preventive suspension is not a final conviction. The criminal proceedings must still determine whether the allegations against the senator are proven.

Will Marcoleta’s Suspension Affect the Senate?

The Sandiganbayan said the suspension would not paralyze the Senate or prevent it from carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

As a collegial legislative body composed of 24 senators, the chamber can continue conducting its business through its remaining members. Senate committees can likewise continue their work with the members who remain available to perform their duties.

The order concerns Marcoleta’s ability to perform the functions of his office during the suspension period. It should not be confused with a final ruling removing him permanently from his Senate seat.

What Other News Outlets Are Reporting

Several Philippine news organizations have independently reported the October 19 ruling.

Philstar.com reported that Marcoleta’s 90-day suspension takes effect upon receipt of the resolution and automatically ends after the prescribed period. Its coverage also detailed the court’s reliance on the anti-graft and anti-plunder laws.

BusinessMirror reported that the Sandiganbayan considered preventive suspension mandatory once the required legal conditions had been satisfied. Its account also outlined the allegations involving the three donors and the ₱75-million total.

ABS-CBN News likewise reported the Sandiganbayan’s decision to impose a 90-day preventive suspension in connection with the senator’s plunder case.

Earlier, GMA News Online reported on the arrest warrant issued against Marcoleta and three other accused in July 2026. The case stemmed from allegations involving campaign contributions that were allegedly not declared in the required disclosures. The report also explained that the issuance of an arrest warrant reflects a finding of probable cause for arrest, not a determination of guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Sources:

What Happens Next in the ₱75-Million Case?

The suspension is a separate procedural development from the ultimate resolution of the criminal charges.

The case will continue through the applicable court proceedings, where the prosecution and defense will have the opportunity to present evidence and arguments. The outcome will depend on the evidence evaluated by the court and the applicable legal standards.

The central questions remain whether the alleged contributions violated the relevant laws, whether the prosecution can establish the elements of the offenses charged, and how the court will resolve the defenses raised by the accused.

For now, the Sandiganbayan’s order places Marcoleta’s Senate duties on hold for 90 days, while the underlying criminal case remains unresolved.

The ruling also renews public attention on campaign-finance disclosure, accountability for elected officials, and the legal safeguards governing public office.

For the latest developments, readers should follow official court announcements and verified reports from established Philippine news organizations.