The United People’s Initiative (UPI) tried yesterday to defend its decision to bar mainstream media from a forum involving 18 individuals presented as former Philippine Marine Corps members who alleged they delivered large sums of cash to public officials.

On 8 May, the forum intended to “ferret out the truth” took a chaotic turn at Valle Verde Country Club in Pasig City after the event collapsed into an alleged media blackout.

UPI national president Virgilio Garcia told reporters that the decision to limit mainstream media access to its events was intended to reduce immediate legal exposure for those who have come forward.

The organization cited concerns that numerous individuals mentioned in the allegations might face another wave of lawsuits, with bail costs potentially exhausting personal funds.

Garcia has described its ongoing work as a conversation aimed at clarifying claims within its ranks rather than escalating legal confrontation. The group has likened the process to verifying internal accounts among former service members.

The claims, first publicly presented in February, are based on affidavits that allege the individuals transported cash in suitcases, totaling as much as P805 billion, to several high-profile figures, including the President, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and Zaldy Co.

Not listed

This figure and the logistics of delivering such sums have been widely questioned by critics and lawmakers, who describe aspects of the allegation as implausible.

Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez denied the identities of some of the 18, with the Philippine Navy saying several were not listed as former Marines and that most of the remainder were discharged under unfavorable circumstances.

Government officials named in the affidavit have uniformly denied involvement.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año has rejected any connection to the claims and filed a complaint related to the alleged unlawful publication of the allegations.

Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and other public figures have likewise filed cyberlibel and perjury charges against the individuals identified and their legal counsel, asserting the allegations are false and damaging.

Bureau of Corrections Director Gregorio Catapang Jr. also lodged complaints, adding to multiple legal counter-offensives.