Marcoleta’s TV remarks to be used as evidence in ‘gift’ case

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Rodante Marcoleta’s remarks will be presented as evidence in the Sandiganbayan 1st Division trial of one of his three “gift” cases, prosecutors said on Tuesday.

Marcoleta and his co-accused, businessman Aristotle Viray, are facing charges for alleged violations of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 46, which prohibits government officials from receiving, and private individuals from giving, gifts.

READ: NET25 host excused from testifying vs Marcoleta, cites religious grounds

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The senator faces three counts under PD No. 46 over the alleged P75 million in donations he received while serving as a party-list lawmaker. Of the amount, P20 million was said to have come from Viray.

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Associate Justice Juliet Manalo-San Gaspar asked the prosecution if it intended to present in court the video showing Marcoleta’s remarks.

Prosecutor Marichelle Corpuz said the prosecution would submit the video when it presents its witness from the Office of the Ombudsman’s Field Investigation Office who examined the video.

On his NET25 show “Sa Ganang Mamamayan” on Nov. 8, 2025, Marcoleta acknowledged that his “friends” gave him campaign contributions on the condition that their identities would not be disclosed.

Prosecutors used the senator’s remarks as the basis for filing a case against him and his donors. 

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Marcoleta’s lawyer David Gabriel told the First Division that they will agree on the authenticity of the video. 

“Just like in other courts, we will stipulate [as for] the authenticity of the video,” Gabriel said.

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On Monday, Marcoleta, through Gabriel, agreed to stipulate as the authenticity of the video containing the senator’s remarks during his plunder bail hearing in the Third Division. 

Marcoleta and his donors have been detained in the New  Quezon City jail in Barangay Payatas for plunder.

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Aside from Viray, former Rep. Mike Defensor and businessman Joseph Espiritu are identified as Marcoleta’s alleged donors.  /jpv