Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday, March 10, raised the possibility that Senate Deputy Minority Leader Rodante Marcoleta could be held liable for indirect bribery over undeclared campaign contributions during last year’s senatorial elections.
In a privilege speech, Lacson cited Marcoleta’s attempts to justify his failure to disclose donors in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE), saying the senator’s own explanations amounted to an admission against interest.
“Pero ang nakakatawa Mr. President ay, wala nang mas lilinaw sa sariling pag-amin ni Senator Marcoleta — tumanggap siya ng pera para magkaroon siya ng utang na loob sa mga taong iyon — isang maliwanag na Admission against Interest, ang sabi nga ng mga abogado,” Lacson said.
Donations While Still a Public Official
Marcoleta and his legal team argued that the contributions were received before he officially became a candidate.
Lacson countered that Marcoleta was still a public official at the time, serving as SAGIP Party-list Representative in the House from 2016 to 2025.
“I guess Senator Marcoleta and his legal team thought they were being smart by being technical about when these contributions were made,” Lacson remarked.
As a lawyer, Lacson noted that Marcoleta should be aware of liability under Article 211 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes public officials who accept gifts or money by reason of their office—even without a specific act or omission promised.
Legal Consequences
Article 211 prescribes penalties including prisión correccional in its medium and maximum periods, suspension, and public censure for indirect bribery.
Lacson added that when the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) issued a show-cause order, Marcoleta attempted to backtrack by asserting that the contributions were received before he became a candidate, citing a Supreme Court definition.
The remarks highlight intensifying scrutiny of campaign financing practices and the accountability of public officials in declaring contributions.