The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on Wednesday absolved Senate Deputy Minority Leader Rodante Marcoleta of any election offense related to his 2025 campaign finance disclosures, citing insufficient evidence to support the allegations.
In a seven-page ruling, the Comelec en banc upheld the recommendation of its Political Finance and Affairs Department to end the fact-finding investigation.
“The Commission, after due deliberation, resolved… to note the findings of Political Finance and Affairs Department relative to the Fact-Finding Investigation Case No. 2025-032,” it said.
Marcoleta had drawn attention after reporting over ₱112 million in campaign spending while declaring zero contributions—an amount more than twice his reported net worth of ₱51.96 million in his latest statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth.
While clearing the senator, the poll body directed its law department to continue with a preliminary investigation into several individuals identified as his campaign donors. These include former Anakalusugan Party-list Representative Mike Defensor, as well as Joseph Varias Espiritu and Aristotle Baluyut Viray.
COMELEC said the move was prompted by the donors’ failure to file their individual Reports of Contributions within 30 days after the 2025 midterm elections, as required under existing campaign finance regulations.