Prosecution Ends First Day of Senator Marcoleta Plunder Trial, Bail Issue Pending
The prosecution concluded its presentation of evidence on the first day of Senator Rodante Marcoleta’s plunder trial, while the court prepared to address his bail petition.
On the opening day of the plunder trial against Senator Rodante Marcoleta, prosecutors wrapped up their evidence presentation before the Sandiganbayan Third Division in Manila. The case also involves former Representative Mike Defensor and businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray, linked to a P75 million campaign donation. Planned testimony from Cecil Federizo, who notarized the donation deeds, and court clerk Lucia Paula Corrales was dropped after the defense claimed lawyer-client privilege, prompting the prosecution to seek a formal stipulation of the deeds’ authenticity.
Associate Justice Fritz Bryn Anthony Delos Santos ordered the prosecution to file a formal offer of evidence by October 15 and gave the defense five days to respond. Both parties have exchanged memoranda on the pending bail petition, and the court indicated the bail issue will be resolved at the next hearing on October 19, when the defense will present its evidence. In addition to plunder charges, the accused face violations of Presidential Decree No. 46, which bars private gifts to public officials.
Why it matters
The trial tests anti-corruption laws and could set precedent for handling campaign-fund misuse in the Philippines.
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