Sandigan suspends Marcoleta for 90 days
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Rodante Marcoleta will be barred from carrying out the functions of his office for three months, the Sandiganbayan declared yesterday.
The anti-graft court’s Third Division – which handles Marcoleta’s cases of plunder and violation of Presidential Decree 46 that prohibits public officials from receiving and asking for gifts – handed down the 90-day preventive suspension against the senator.
Marcoleta, currently detained at the New Quezon City Jail, is prohibited “from (assuming) position as senator, or from any other public office, for a period of 90 days from receipt thereof,” the Third Division’s clerk of court Dennis Pulma said.
The court’s ruling was based on provisions on preventive suspension under Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and RA 7080 or the anti-plunder law, which it noted were “worded similarly and both laws provide that preventive suspension is mandatory when there is a valid Information.”
“The information for plunder and violation of PD No. 46 are, thus, valid,” it maintained.
The Sandiganbayan also maintained Marcoleta’s suspension “will not affect the functions of the Senate” as a collegial body.
Marcoleta and his co-accused Joseph Espiritu face plunder and PD 46 charges over the senator’s acceptance of P75 million in campaign donations, wherein Espiritu gave P25 million. Also detained with them are former congressman Mike Defensor and Aristotle Viray, who contributed P30 million and P20 million, respectively.
abtestabtest Stricter transport safety, security checks sought By Helen Flores | 22 hours ago Senate committee on public services chairman Sen. Raffy Tulfo has urged agencies to ensure the safety of millions of people... Headlines Super typhoon outside PAR being monitored By Josiah Antonio | 22 hours ago A super typhoon, with the international name In-fa, is being monitored outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR),... Headlines VP camp calls out new ‘tanim witness’ By Bella Cariaso | 22 hours ago The camp of Vice President Sara Duterte yesterday dismissed the claim of an alleged former driver of former House speaker... Headlines VP camp rejects new cash suitcase allegations as ‘tanim witness,’ ‘propaganda’ By Alyana Uy | 1 day ago Vice President Sara Duterte’s lawyer dismissed claims of a purported driver that he twice delivered suitcases of money to the vice president. Headlines Marcos attends Michelin Guide 2027 ceremony By Rosette Adel | 2 days ago Marcos is the first sitting head of state in history to attend a Michelin Guide restaurant unveiling. Headlines Latest More in Headlines Over 60,000 passengers leave ports for Undas — PCG LIVE updates: Undas 2026 Men can also be victims of sexual violence — Supreme Court Surrender deadline lapses; still no Bato abtest Lacson slams critics, defends track record By Neil Jayson Servallos | 22 hours ago Sen. Panfilo Lacson fired back at critics casting doubt on his track record, issuing a stern message to “naysayers”... Headlines More Pinoys own bikes, motorcycles than cars By Janvic Mateo | 22 hours ago More Filipino households own motorcycles and bicycles than cars and other four-wheeled vehicles, a survey conducted by Social... Headlines Ex-MILF military head elected chief minister of BARMM By John Unson | 22 hours ago Abdulraof Macacua, who fought against President Marcos’ father in the 1970s, was elected chief minister of the Bangsamoro... Headlines DepEd gains international recognition for improved PISA results By Bella Cariaso | 22 hours ago The Department of Education (DepEd) gained international recognition for its recent performance improvements in the Programme... Headlines Gas prices seen higher next week; rollback for diesel By Adrian Kenneth Halili | 22 hours ago Motorists should brace for higher gasoline prices next week as the escalating conflict in the Middle East continues to threaten... Headlines Recommended Stricter transport safety, security checks sought 22 hours ago Senate committee on public services chairman Sen. Raffy Tulfo has urged agencies to ensure the safety of millions of people... HeadlinesLTO VP camp calls out new ‘tanim witness’ 22 hours ago The camp of Vice President Sara Duterte yesterday dismissed the claim of an alleged former driver of former House speaker... HeadlinesTRENDING Conflicted October 31, 2026 - 12:00am Members of the Senate sit as judges in the impeachment case involving the Vice President. HeadlinesTRENDING VP camp rejects new cash suitcase allegations as ‘tanim witness,’ ‘propaganda’ October 30, 2026 - 10:16am Vice President Sara Duterte’s lawyer dismissed claims of a purported driver that he twice delivered suitcases of money to the vice president. HeadlinesSARA DUTERTE Marcos attends Michelin Guide 2027 ceremony 2 days ago Marcos is the first sitting head of state in history to attend a Michelin Guide restaurant unveiling. HeadlinesBONGBONG MARCOSMICHELIN next Recommended Stricter transport safety, security checks sought Senate committee on public services chairman Sen. Raffy Tulfo has urged agencies to ensure the safety of millions of people expected to travel to their provinces during the Undas holiday, calling for stricter inspections of public utility vehicles and tighter security at airports and seaports. 22 hours ago LTO VP camp calls out new ‘tanim witness’ The camp of Vice President Sara Duterte yesterday dismissed the claim of an alleged former driver of former House speaker Lord Allan Velasco, that he delivered suitcases of cash to her. 22 hours ago TRENDING Conflicted Members of the Senate sit as judges in the impeachment case involving the Vice President. 22 hours ago TRENDING VP camp rejects new cash suitcase allegations as ‘tanim witness,’ ‘propaganda’ Vice President Sara Duterte’s lawyer dismissed claims of a purported driver that he twice delivered suitcases of money to the vice president. 1 day ago SARA DUTERTE Marcos attends Michelin Guide 2027 ceremony Marcos is the first sitting head of state in history to attend a Michelin Guide restaurant unveiling. 2 days ago BONGBONG MARCOS MICHELIN OK Are you sure you want to log out? Yes No X Login Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!
