A political earthquake is shaking Manila as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) issues a stern ultimatum to Senator Rodante Marcoleta, signaling that his recent admission about hiding campaign donors will no longer be overlooked. In a development observers describe with the Filipino phrase “gumalaw na ang baso”—literally, “the glass has moved”—the poll body is demanding a full explanation of apparent discrepancies in Marcoleta’s Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) for the May 2025 elections.
The center of the storm is an extraordinary financial contradiction: Marcoleta reportedly spent over ₱112 million on his campaign, yet declared zero contributions received. Auditors and election watchdogs were immediately alarmed, especially when cross-referenced with his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), which lists him at ₱51–₱80 million. The numbers simply do not align, prompting legal experts and regulators to question how such a massive campaign could be funded entirely without reported donations.
The Senator’s Shocking Admission
In a candid public statement, Marcoleta confirmed that he did receive substantial financial help from supporters. However, these donors allegedly demanded complete anonymity. According to the Senator, disclosing their contributions in his SOCE would have violated their trust, compelling him to list names and addresses under the law—a step he refused to take.
To comply with this personal request, Marcoleta declared “zero” contributions, effectively classifying the funds as personal debts of gratitude—or “utang na loob”—rather than official campaign donations. While framed as a moral choice in honoring friendship, legal experts argue this maneuver contravenes the Omnibus Election Code, which requires all contributions to be fully reported with donor identities.
Legal Implications
The irony of the situation has not gone unnoticed. A seasoned lawyer and legislator openly admitted to circumventing the law he helped uphold. Section 107 of the Omnibus Election Code mandates an itemized account of all contributions, while Section 109 specifies that the full names and addresses of donors must be reported. There is no provision for anonymous donations, regardless of personal pacts.
Furthermore, Section 99 adds a “sandwich effect”: donors must also report their contributions to Comelec within 30 days. Marcoleta’s “secret donors” are therefore simultaneously in violation, creating a catch-22—either expose themselves and confirm the Senator’s underreporting, or remain silent and break the law alongside him.
Comelec’s Response
Comelec Chairman George Garcia has emphasized that the commission is taking the matter seriously. A Show Cause Order has been issued, giving Marcoleta a formal opportunity to explain the discrepancies before legal proceedings are initiated. Any unsatisfactory explanation could lead to severe consequences under Section 264 of the Omnibus Election Code, including:
- Imprisonment: 1–6 years
- Permanent disqualification from public office
- Loss of suffrage rights
For a sitting Senator, these penalties are career-ending. Beyond punishment, the case touches on the integrity of elections, as undisclosed donors could represent prohibited sources, such as government contractors or foreign entities, undermining public transparency and accountability.
A Broader Context
Marcoleta’s case is unfolding alongside investigations into other high-profile figures, signaling Comelec’s tightened enforcement of campaign finance laws. Yet his situation is exceptional due to the public admission of falsifying a sworn document, a legal gamble that few politicians survive intact.
As the Show Cause Order reaches Marcoleta’s office, the public watches closely. The glass has indeed moved, and the question now is whether a lawmaker can remain in power after placing personal loyalty above the law. For Senator Marcoleta, this could mark a defining moment in both his career and his legal fate.