Former congressman Mike Defensor on Tuesday said he is prepared to face the non-bailable plunder charges expected to be filed against him this week, insisting the case is politically motivated and part of a broader effort to silence critics of the administration.

Speaking on the sidelines of an Iglesia ni Cristo rally at the People Power Monument, Defensor declared that he would not evade the legal process even if the case results in his imprisonment.

"I will not hide; I don't hide even before, and they won't win. They can jail me, but I will not hide. I will fight against it. As long as I can use my voice, I will fight against it," he told reporters.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday announced that his office is set to file plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, Defensor, businessmen Aristotle Viray and Joseph Espiritu over an alleged P75-million campaign donation made during the 2025 elections.

According to the Ombudsman's investigation, Defensor allegedly contributed P30 million, Espiritu P25 million, and Viray P20 million to Marcoleta's senatorial campaign over a four-day period in January 2025.

Investigators contend the funds were not properly disclosed and that donor's taxes were paid only months later, allegations prosecutors say point to concealment.

The Sandiganbayan had earlier issued a precautionary hold departure order against the four respondents while the case was under preliminary proceedings.

Marcoleta has denied any wrongdoing, arguing in his counter-affidavit that the money involved was privately sourced campaign donations rather than public funds, although the amount exceeded the P50-million threshold under the Anti-Plunder Law.

Defensor echoed that defense, dismissing the impending charges as fabricated.

"We cannot do anything if they file a case against us, but this nonsense case—it's clear that they are just forcing cases against us," he said.

The former lawmaker also linked the plunder complaint to a separate criminal case recently filed by the National Bureau of Investigation before the Pasig City Prosecutor's Office.

The NBI charged Defensor and his wife, Julie Defensor, with human trafficking after investigators alleged that a Pasig bar and hotel they supposedly owned had been used to sexually exploit women.

Defensor dismissed the complaint as another attempt to discredit him.

"Those who use their voices to call for investigation to know the truth behind corruption are the ones who get jailed. While those involved in corruption and should be investigated, they are the ones being used as state witness and they don't have liability under the law," he said.

If filed, the plunder case would mark the most serious legal challenge yet against Marcoleta and his alleged donors, with plunder carrying the penalty of reclusion perpetua upon conviction.