Former Cong. Mike Defensor has questioned the plunder case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman against him, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, and two other businessmen.

The former lawmaker maintained that no government funds were stolen, no favors were requested or received, and the money he gave to Sen. Marcoleta before the campaign period of the 2025 elections was his own private money.

"Walang ninakaw na pondo ng gobyerno, walang pabor na hiningi o tinanggap, at pribadong pera ang ibinigay ko kay Senator Marcoleta bago ang campaign period ng 2025 elections."
(No government funds were stolen, no favor was requested or received, and the money I gave to Senator Marcoleta before the campaign period of the 2025 elections was private money.)

Defensor also pointed out that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received campaign donations from several individuals who were later given important positions in government.

He said that if campaign donations are being used as basis for the plunder case, then a similar investigation should also be conducted on others.

"Kung basehan na sa plunder case ang mga campaign donations, kailangan na magkaroon din ng kaparehong pagsisiyasat sa iba."
(If campaign donations are being used as basis for the plunder case, there should also be a similar investigation into others.)

Despite this, Defensor assured that he will face the case in the proper court and will continue exposing corruption in flood control projects.

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