Plunder Case Against Mike Defensor Reaches Sandiganbayan Hearing
MIKE DEFENSOR – The legal battle involving former lawmaker Mike Defensor entered a new phase after he appeared before the Sandiganbayan for the hearing of the plunder charges against him.
Former Anakalusugan Party-list Representative Mike Defensor appeared before the Sandiganbayan on Wednesday, July 15, for the hearing of the plunder case filed against him by the Office of the Ombudsman.
Defensor was brought to the Sandiganbayan in Quezon City as legal proceedings officially moved forward in connection with the high-profile case that has drawn public attention due to its links to alleged campaign finance irregularities during the 2025 midterm elections.
The plunder complaint is connected to the earlier admission made by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who is also facing a separate plunder case. Marcoleta reportedly acknowledged receiving ₱75 million from three campaign donors, allegedly including Defensor, as financial support for his 2025 election campaign.
The amount later became the subject of scrutiny by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) after it was allegedly not declared in Marcoleta’s Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE), a required document that candidates must submit after every election.
Aside from Defensor, several other personalities have also been linked to the controversy involving the alleged irregularities in campaign financing. Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the reported contributions and whether election laws and other regulations were violated.
Defensor is a veteran politician who previously served as the representative of the Anakalusugan Party-list. He also held the position of Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Over the years, he has likewise served as a Quezon City councilor and congressman.
Meanwhile, Defensor’s name has also surfaced in separate reports involving allegations made by 18 former members of the Philippine Marines who allegedly served as “bagmen” for former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co.
According to the statements of the former Marines, they were allegedly instructed to deliver suitcases containing large sums of money to various politicians, government officials, and other personalities. Among the names reportedly mentioned in their testimonies was Leyte 1st District Representative and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
In a related development, the legal counsel representing the 18 former Marines, Atty. Levi Baligod has recently been charged with cyber libel.
The plunder case against Defensor remains pending before the Sandiganbayan. As court proceedings continue, the allegations against all parties involved are yet to be resolved, and no final judgment has been issued regarding the charges.
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