MANILA, Philippines— The Office of the Ombudsman on Friday formally filed a non-bailable plunder case and multiple graft charges against Senator Rodante Marcoleta before the Sandiganbayan, marking a major escalation in one of the country’s highest-profile corruption investigations.

The filing came a day after the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) concluded its three-day rally in support of the embattled senator, whose supporters had denounced the impending criminal charges as politically motivated.

According to the Ombudsman, Marcoleta is facing one count of plunder and several counts of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act in connection with the alleged receipt of ₱75 million in campaign contributions, an amount prosecutors say exceeds the statutory threshold for plunder under Philippine law. The complaint also names former congressman Michael Defensor and several alleged donors as co-accused.

The formal filing follows days of intense political controversy after Ombudsman officials earlier announced that they had found sufficient basis to prosecute Marcoleta. Ombudsman officials had maintained that the evidence gathered during the investigation—including documents allegedly submitted by Marcoleta himself—established probable cause to pursue the criminal case.

The timing of the filing has drawn significant public attention.

For three consecutive days, thousands of members of the Iglesia ni Cristo gathered in Metro Manila to express support for Marcoleta, arguing that the senator was being unfairly targeted. The demonstrations concluded Thursday, with organizers reiterating calls for due process and justice.

Despite the highly visible public demonstrations, the Office of the Ombudsman proceeded to file the case before the Sandiganbayan, emphasizing that prosecutorial decisions are based on evidence and applicable law rather than political considerations.

Marcoleta has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He has described the case as politically motivated and has argued that the charges are intended to silence him and prevent him from performing his duties as a senator. His legal team is expected to challenge the allegations before the anti-graft court.

The filing of the information before the Sandiganbayan formally transfers the case from the investigatory stage to judicial proceedings. The anti-graft court is expected to determine probable cause to issue warrants and set the timetable for subsequent court proceedings.

Under the Constitution and Philippine criminal law, the filing of charges does not constitute a finding of guilt. Senator Marcoleta remains presumed innocent unless and until the court finds him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.