Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and former Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor arrive at the Sandiganbayan in Quezon City for a hearing on the plunder case against them on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. — Photo by Jason Sigales/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Former Rep. Mike Defensor and two of his co-accused on Wednesday pleaded not guilty in their plunder case filed before the Sandiganbayan Third Division.
Defensor and businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray allegedly donated P75 million to Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, which led to their non-bailable case.
READ: Marcoleta, Defensor arrive for July 15 Sandiganbayan plunder hearing
For his part, Marcoleta has yet to be arraigned due to the pending motion to quash or a bid to junk his plunder case. /das
