Senator Imee Marcos on Wednesday filed a resolution urging a Senate investigation into allegations that former Philippine Marine Corps members delivered suitcases of cash to individuals on the instructions of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co.
The move follows a press conference on Tuesday, where lawyer Levito Baligod and 18 ex-Marines accused various officials of receiving funds from Co.
Baligod also alleged that Co and former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV financed hotel accommodations for International Criminal Court (ICC) investigators, and claimed cash deliveries reached President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s residence in Ilocos Norte.
Under Senate Resolution No. 317, Marcos described the allegations in the ex-Marines’ joint affidavit as “extremely alarming and serious,” noting the claims implicate lawmakers, Cabinet officials, senior government officials, and even the President.
“Aside from corruption and kickbacks, the joint affidavit also laid bare the secret cooperation between the ICC and the present administration, contrary to the denial under oath of key administration officials,” the resolution stated.
“If the averments in the joint affidavit are true, then it would mean that not only did the Philippine Government cooperate with the ICC, it did so with the use of illicit funds,” it added.
Marcos called on the former military personnel to present their evidence during the Senate investigation.
“Kung may paratang, ilatag ninyo nang malinaw. Kung may ebidensya, ilabas ninyo nang buong tapang. Kumbaga sa maleta, mananatiling sikreto ang laman nyan kung hindi ilalatag sa lamesa at bubuksan. Dito natin buksan sa Senado at suriin ang maleta ng katotohanan,” she said.