Senator Marcoleta Accused of Soliciting P75 Million from Co-Accused in Plunder Case
A Sandiganbayan hearing revealed that Senator Rodante Marcoleta asked businessman Aristotle Viray for a P75 million campaign contribution, part of a plunder investigation.
In a Sandiganbayan Third Division session, the director of the Ombudsman's Field Investigation Bureau testified that Senator Rodante Marcoleta directly requested a P75 million campaign donation from his friend, businessman Aristotle Viray, who is also named as a co-accused. The testimony noted that the donor’s tax for the contribution was paid only in December 2025, despite the donation being made in January 2025, and that the Deeds of Donation were notarized belatedly in November 2025, indicating possible concealment.
The director also said an employee of Marcoleta, Ebenezer Santos, covered part of the donor’s tax. Marcoleta had earlier told a television audience that the donation was anonymous and therefore not declared, while his filing with the Commission on Elections described it as a personal fund, leading the commission to suspend its investigation. These conflicting statements formed part of the Ombudsman's basis for filing plunder charges against Marcoleta and the other accused, former Rep. Michael Defensor and Joseph Espiritu.
Why it matters
The case highlights alleged corruption and misuse of campaign funds by a sitting senator, raising concerns about political accountability.
How the sides frame it
LOW AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage emphasizes the alleged solicitation of a 20 million-peso portion of a larger P75 million fund and lists the co-accused, while centrist coverage stresses Marcoleta’s direct request for the full P75 million, highlighting delayed tax payment, late notarization and an employee covering tax, framing the act as possible concealment.
LEFT
Frames the story as an allegation that Marcoleta solicited a 20 million-peso donation from Viray, part of a broader P75 million plunder investigation involving other co-accused.
CENTER
Frames the story as evidence that Marcoleta directly demanded a P75 million campaign donation, pointing to delayed tax filing, late notarization and an aide covering tax to suggest concealment.
The left emphasises
- Marcoleta allegedly solicited P20 million from Aristotle Viray
- the money is part of a larger P75 million fund under investigation for plunder
- other co-accused such as former Rep. Mike Defensor and businessmen are named
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