18 ex-Marines claim delivering cash-filled suitcases to politicians

National

A GROUP of former Marines on Tuesday, Feb. 24, surfaced and claimed to have delivered suitcases filled with money to several politicians, including former lawmaker Zaldy Co, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The 18 ex-Marines were presented by lawyer Levito Baligod, known for being the whistleblower of the pork barrel scam.

Baligod stated that the group of former Marines corrobated the testimony of Orly Guteza.

Guteza, also a former Marine and ex-security officer of Co, was previously introduced as a surprise witness by Rodante Marcoleta during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing in September 2025.

During the press conference, Baligod accused Marcos of being the mastermind behind the alleged corruption involving ₱805 billion from anomalous flood control projects.

He claimed that the funds were delivered to various government officials.

The former marines also alleged that they maintained a group chat where details of recipients, destinations, and amounts were discussed.

One of the men stated, “Hindi pa nila nakukuha ang kontrata ay nag-uumpisa na silang mag-remit kay Ginoong Zaldy Co.” He further claimed that cash deliveries were made to Co’s residence in Valle Verde Phase 6, Pasig City, and to the President’s house in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.(Iah Jennil M. Mirarza, BiPSU Comm Intern)