By Lane Afable, News Editor
The Sandiganbayan has issued a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against Senator Rodante Marcoleta, former Congressman Mike Defensor, businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray in connection with a plunder and indirect bribery case linked to an alleged ₱75-million campaign donation.
The order was issued following a request from the Office of the Ombudsman as part of its ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities involving campaign funds received during the previous elections.
The case stems from accusations that the ₱75 million donation was improperly sourced and may be connected to transactions that could constitute plunder and indirect bribery under Philippine law.
A PHDO prevents individuals from leaving the country while criminal proceedings are ongoing, ensuring their availability for court processes and investigation.
Senator Marcoleta has previously rejected the allegations, saying he will respond through proper legal channels and maintain that the accusations are without basis.
Marcoleta vowed a proper legal response to the Ombudsman case, according to earlier statements in his privilege speech in the Senate.
The Sandiganbayan’s action comes as the anti-graft court evaluates the evidence submitted by prosecutors in coordination with the Ombudsman.
