The Sandiganbayan's Fourth Division has ordered the arrest of Senator Rodante Marcoleta and former congressman Mike Defensor for allegedly violating Presidential Decree No.46, which prohibits public officials from receiving gifts and private individuals from giving gifts on any occasion.

Although Marcoleta and Defensor are already in government custody due to a separate plunder case, the court directed their arrest warrants to be served at their detention sites.The court set bail at P30,000 for each and issued hold departure orders.The arrests stem from a P75-million plunder case linked to undeclared campaign donations Marcoleta received during his 2025 senatorial bid.

The Ombudsman noted the donation was split into three tranches in early 2025, with donor's tax paid only in December 2025, which prosecutors argue indicates an attempt to conceal the transaction.

Marcoleta claimed the charges were politically motivated to silence dissent against the administration, while Defensor questioned the fairness of the plunder case allegations, stating they stemmed from campaign donations and not government funds.Both denied any quid pro quo in exchange for the donations.