World · Philippines Bureau
NET25 co-host excused from testifying against Senator Marcoleta on religious grounds
Nelson Lubao, co-host of Senator Rodante Marcoleta's NET25 program, will not testify in the plunder bail hearing involving a P75 million campaign donation after filing a motion citing religious grounds.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Nelson Lubao, co-host of Senator Rodante Marcoleta's NET25 program, has been excused from testifying against the senator in his bail hearing before the Sandiganbayan Third Division, following a motion filed through his legal counsel.
Lubao's decision to withdraw as a witness was based on religious grounds, according to court documents. The move comes as the Sandiganbayan continues hearing arguments in Marcoleta's plunder case, which centers on an allegedly irregular P75 million campaign donation.
The senator faces allegations related to the handling of the substantial political contribution, with prosecutors arguing the funds were improperly solicited or received. Marcoleta has denied the charges and maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
The case has drawn significant attention given Marcoleta's prominent position in the Senate and his media presence through the NET25 program. The removal of Lubao as a potential witness may impact the prosecution's case strategy in establishing the circumstances surrounding the disputed donation.