MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan Seventh Division on Tuesday began its hearing on the precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, former Rep. Michael Defensor and two other individuals over complaints of plunder, indirect bribery, and the Presidential Decree No. 46.
On Monday, the Office of the Ombudsman filed a verified ex parte application for the issuance of a precautionary hold departure order against Marcoleta, Defensor, a certain Aristotle Viray and Joseph Espiritu.
A PHDO is a written court order directing the Bureau of Immigration to prevent any attempt by a person suspected of a crime punishable by a minimum penalty of at least six years and one day from leaving the country.
This order is based solely on the finding that there is a high likelihood that the respondent will flee the country and does not determine the respondent’s guilt.
The Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon’s field investigation bureau recommended plunder and indirect bribery complaints against Marcoleta, Defensor, Viray and Espiritu over alleged campaign donations worth P75 million.
They also said that PD No. 46, or the decree which prohibits public officials and employees from receiving gifts from private persons on any occasion, should be filed against Marcoleta.
In January 2025, Defensor, Espiritu and Viray allegedly donated P30 million, P25 million and P20 million for Marcoleta’s senatorial bid, the complaint stated