Philippine Senator Marcoleta Held on Plunder Charges Ahead of Duterte Trial

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Manila: Philippine Senator Rodante Marcoleta, a close ally of Vice President Sara Duterte, was arrested on Monday as the anti-graft court ordered his custody on a non-bailable plunder charge, just hours before the Senate began Duterte's high-profile impeachment proceedings.

Marcoleta is suspected of receiving 75 million pesos (about $1.2 million) in unreported campaign contributions during the 2025 Senate race. The Sandiganbayan anti-graft court determined probable cause, issued an arrest warrant, and enforced a detain departure order, prohibiting him from leaving the country. Marcoleta went in court freely, but was detained by police after his plea to suspend the arrest was denied. He has denied any misconduct and says he will face the allegations.

His arrest greatly impacts the pro-Duterte senators involved in the impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte, who is accused of corruption, misappropriation of public funds, and threats against high government officials. Duterte denied the charges, calling them politically motivated. A conviction requires a two-thirds vote in the 24-member Senate and may prevent her from pursuing public office, perhaps preventing her 2028 presidential campaign.