Malacañang: Fake news; Imee urges Senate probe

Facing another political storm, Malacañang on Wednesday vehemently denied allegations that P805 billion in kickbacks from anomalous flood control projects were funneled to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., other top officials, and even International Criminal Court (ICC) investigators.

“It’s fake news,” Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said during the regular Malacañang briefing, dismissing the explosive claims as baseless amid the mounting scrutiny.

The allegations came on Tuesday when 18 former soldiers — ex-Marines who served as a security detail for resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co — held a press conference in San Juan City.

Accompanied by lawyer Levito Baligod, they presented a sworn joint affidavit claiming suitcase deliveries of illicit cash to Marcos’ residence, ex-House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s office and home, to several lawmakers, and to former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV to cover the expenses of ICC investigators between 2023 and 2025 amounting to $2 million or P116 million.

The group linked the funds to Co’s construction firm and to ghost projects, echoing past pork barrel scandals. Most media outlets did not report the story, but it quickly went viral on social media. Details of the affidavit were shared with selected media, prompting administration allies to defend Malacañang.

To clarify the matter, Senator Imee Marcos filed Resolution No. 317 on Wednesday calling for a Senate probe. She urged Philippine Marine Corps officials to appear before the chamber following allegations that some Marines were used to deliver cash to top officials and ICC personnel.

“If there are accusations, lay them out clearly. If there is evidence, present it with full courage. Like a suitcase, its contents remain secret unless it is placed on the table and opened,” Marcos said in Filipino.

She stressed that the issue should not be resolved through a trial by publicity. “It cannot be a trial by publicity. The institution of the Senate, as well as Congress, and the dignity of every elected official must be respected,” she said.

Marcos emphasized that she is defending the Senate not because of personalities or political allies, but because it is the voice and bulwark of the nation. “If the very institution that serves as a bulwark is being accused, then it is only proper that we face each other here,” she said. “If you are truly serving the truth, then let us face each other here in the Senate.”

Palace: ‘Purely fabricated’

Castro dismissed Baligod’s allegation that President Marcos masterminded a multibillion-peso corruption scheme, calling it “purely fabricated” and poorly executed.

“Repeated lies against the President. Lousy script, not award-winning. It’s not clean — you can tell it’s full of lies,” Castro said.

The Palace official questioned who was truly behind the operation. “So, who’s behind this? Perhaps you should find out who owned the vehicle that picked them up after their press briefing… again, repeated lies,” she said.

Pressed by reporters about the people behind Baligod’s sudden appearance, Castro said,

“You should probably find out who it really is… I believe you won’t be surprised — it’s the same people.”

She stressed that law enforcement agencies could act against Baligod and the Marines for spreading false accusations.

“The NBI and PNP are there. It’s their obligation to file charges against those spreading fake news. They don’t need to be ordered. It’s their duty,” Castro said.

Defensor denies role

Former lawmaker Mike Defensor, who has been accused of orchestrating the event, denied involvement in a Wednesday radio interview.

“I wasn’t behind this. Attorney Levi was really the one talking to the soldiers. Some officials helped quietly, coordinating with the Marines so they could come forward and make this statement,” he said.

Defensor confirmed that the Marines’ affidavit supports claims previously made by former Master Sgt. Orly Regala Guteza.

“But personally, my focus is on Sergeant Guteza. This is significant, as it helps substantiate what he previously said. People were texting, calling… it seems they were trying to prevent this information from coming out,” he said.

He noted that the affidavits were prepared collectively by the Marines under Baligod’s supervision. “They made one complete affidavit revealing the details. They didn’t directly match every statement; at most, it’s about the delivery of the money. Zaldy Co himself may provide substance,” Defensor said.

He affirmed his support for the Marines and their courage in coming forward.

“I support them. I believe in what they’re saying. I hope we can locate Sergeant Guteza so their accounts can be fully compiled,” he said.

Lacson questions timing

Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo Lacson, the Senate President Pro Tempore, expressed skepticism about the allegations, suggesting that the timing — just before the EDSA anniversary and during the ongoing ICC proceedings — could signal a “destabilization bid.”

Lacson ordered the claims validated while questioning their plausibility. He highlighted the Club Filipino venue — where Cory Aquino took her oath after EDSA — as politically charged.

“It appears there is a political motive… a potential effort to destabilize,” he said in Filipino during a Senate interview.

He also dismissed the P805-billion figure as “mind-boggling” and “excessive,” noting that total flood control budgets from 2023 to 2025 were only P300 billion nationwide, making Co’s alleged 70-percent share impossible without massive ghost projects.

“P805 billion would need over 13,000 large suitcases” at P50 to P70 million each,” he calculated.

Lacson pointed to former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo and Bulacan engineer Alcantara as figures who should be investigated but he stressed that any investigation should proceed through proper channels and not be publicity stunts.

He noted that this aligned with his earlier work in the Blue Ribbon Committee on Co’s P100-billion insertions, which were verified, but the alleged kickbacks to President Marcos remained unsubstantiated.

House dismisses claims

House officials on Wednesday dismissed the claims of the supposed ex-Marines, saying they were politically motivated and intended to disrupt Vice President Sara Duterte’s upcoming impeachment hearings.

“The timing is suspect. These allegations aim to discredit members of the Quad Committee and the Justice Committee,” said Manila Rep. Joel Chua, chairman of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability.

Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union called the claims baseless, urging critics to stop spreading unfounded narratives. “It’s just lies. We shouldn’t give them attention,” he said.

House Committee on Human Rights Chair Bienvenido Abante Jr. of Manila, targeted for his criticism of alleged extrajudicial killings under former President Rodrigo Duterte, also denied the accusations.

“The claim that I accepted suitcases of cash is completely false, baseless, and malicious. I stand by my record and principles,” he said. Quoting Scripture, he added, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.”

Iloilo Rep. Julienne Baronda said her name never appeared in any flood control scam investigation and attributed her mention in the allegations to her political association with a local figure. “I choose not to engage in falsehoods and will pray for truth and fairness to prevail,” she said.

The House emphasized that the public discourse should remain grounded in facts and responsible statements, not speculation or political theatrics.

AFP urges review of claims

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ response was swift.

In a statement, the AFP said Baligod’s allegations “must be evaluated” through proper legal and investigative channels and cautioned its personnel — active or retired — against spreading unverified claims.

“The Filipino people deserve facts. We urge all parties to allow lawful processes to take their course,” it said.

Baligod, a 2016 senatorial candidate who lost, presented an affidavit from the Marines recounting their involvement in delivering suitcases of money to undisclosed politicians. The Philippine Navy (PN) immediately denied that four of the Marines were in the service.

PN spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez said, “Four were never members of the Navy or Marine Corps. Most were discharged dishonorably; others retired in good standing. Guteza retired in June 2020 and is no longer under Navy authority.”

Martinez added that the Navy respects judicial and legislative processes and will not prevent anyone from testifying.

“We remain a professional, disciplined, and non-partisan organization. We will never compromise our values, integrity, or reputation, and we remain steadfast in our mandate to defend the country’s sovereignty and serve the Filipino people.”