Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla on Saturday dismissed as a “canard story” the affidavit of 18 supposed former Marines who claim to have acted as “bagmen” for former congressman Zaldy Co, allegedly delivering suitcases of cash to politicians, including President Bongbong Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Remulla questioned the credibility of the joint affidavit, emphasizing that sworn statements must be based on personal knowledge.

“Eighteen people signed one affidavit. An affidavit is supposed to contain—dapat diyan nakasulat diyan personal knowledge mo. ‘Yung sarili mo lang, karanasan, kaalaman, sarili mong kaalaman. Paano naging common knowledge sa kanila ‘yung 18? Lagi silang magkakasama sa buong affidavit na iyon? Sa lahat ng lakad magkakasama sila 18, impossible iyon,” Remulla said during a radio interview. 

He insisted that the allegations lack the personal basis required for sworn statements, describing the narrative as fabricated. He urged the 18 individuals to testify before the Senate to substantiate their claims.

“Paano naging personal knowledge iyon, canard… Gusto ko tumestigo ‘yung 18 sa Senado,” he added.

According to the affidavit, the group allegedly delivered approximately P805 billion in cash to more than 30 government officials, including at least seven senators and over 20 current or former members of the House of Representatives.

Remulla suggested that the timing of the affidavit points to a political motive, aiming to create a “tipping point” by portraying the 18 Marines as unimpeachable witnesses.

“Ano ‘yung… they’re trying to create a tipping point na 18 Marines cannot be wrong. Marami nga diyan discharged, marami diyan hindi naman Marines, nagke-create sila ng tipping point. Political,” he said.

He further alleged that the exposé may be intended to destabilize the government. 

“Clearly, they want a coup,” he said. 

The affidavit surfaced a day before the planned “Trillion Peso March” and coincided with the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

On 26 February, lawyer Levito “Levy” Baligod filed a referral complaint with the Ombudsman, calling for an investigation into possible violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713).

Meanwhile, National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag has already ordered a probe into the claims made by the group of alleged former Marines.

The Ombudsman’s remarks mark the first public response from the office regarding the controversial affidavit, which has sparked nationwide attention and intense political debate.