Mike Defensor Says No Favor Was Asked or Given in P75M Donation
MIKE DEFENSOR – The former AnaKalusugan Party-list Representative has denied allegations that he requested or received any benefit in exchange for the campaign donation he made to Senator Rodante Marcoleta during the 2025 midterm elections.
Defensor clarified that the donation was purely political support and was not connected to any agreement or favor. He stressed that there was no expectation of anything in return, and no conditions were attached to the contribution. According to him, claims that the donation could be considered plunder have no basis because there was no exchange of money for personal gain or special treatment.
He also pointed out that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) had already dismissed concerns related to the campaign donation. Defensor explained that plunder charges usually involve the misuse of government funds or situations where money is given in exchange for an expected benefit. In his case, he insisted that neither applied, since the donation did not involve public funds and no favors were requested or received.
Defensor emphasized that the situation was simply a lawful campaign contribution and should not be misinterpreted as corruption. He maintained that there was no “give-and-take” arrangement behind the donation, reinforcing his position that the accusations are unfair.
Meanwhile, the case continues to involve Senator Marcoleta, Defensor, and two other individuals who are facing complaints of plunder and indirect bribery filed by prosecutors from the Office of the Ombudsman. The allegations are linked to a reported 75-million-peso campaign donation.
In connection with the ongoing legal proceedings, the Sandiganbayan Seventh Division has issued a precautionary hold departure order against the respondents. This prevents them from leaving the country while the case is still under review by the court.
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