The Office of the Ombudsman has formally filed a plunder case against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta over his alleged receipt of P75 million in campaign donations before the 2025 national elections.

Also charged with plunder were Marcoleta's alleged campaign donors, former congressman Mike Defensor and businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray.

Aside from plunder, the Ombudsman also charged the respondents with violating Presidential Decree No. 46, which prohibits public officials from receiving gifts and penalizes individuals who give them.

In a statement, the Ombudsman said the case was based on evidence that had been publicly disclosed and acknowledged by the respondents.

The agency said the alleged donations were not declared in Marcoleta's Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) and Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).

"These facts are not in dispute; the senator has publicly confirmed receiving the money, and they can be stipulated at the onset of trial," the Ombudsman said."We took an oath to enforce the law regardless of who is involved, and that oath does not waver for popularity, position, or personal relationships," it added.

The Ombudsman also addressed the recent protests staged by members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) at the EDSA People Power Monument following the filing of the case against Marcoleta.

The agency said it respects the public's right to assemble and demand accountability, including from the Ombudsman itself.

However, it stressed that criminal liability must ultimately be determined by the courts based on the evidence and the law.

"Senator Marcoleta retains the presumption of innocence and every right to defend himself before the Sandiganbayan. We did not choose this fight. But when the law leaves no room for silence, silence is not an option," the statement read.

As of posting, Marcoleta has yet to issue an official statement on the filing of the charges.