Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla revealed that based on an intelligence report, one of the photos submitted by the 18 individuals claiming to be “ex-Marines” was taken during the time of former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.
Velasco served as House Speaker during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Remulla said the finding suggests a possible “manipulation of facts” to make it appear that the alleged delivery of money occurred during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
According to the joint affidavit of the 18 self-identified ex-Marines, they claimed to have delivered suitcases filled with cash to several lawmakers and government officials from 2022 to 2025.
There has been no response yet from the group of 18 Marines or their legal counsel, Levito Baligod, regarding Remulla’s statements.
Last month, during a press conference, the 18 individuals introduced themselves as former security aides of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co. They alleged that they delivered suitcases containing money from supposedly anomalous flood control projects to several lawmakers.
They also claimed they handed over $2 million to former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, allegedly intended for investigators of the International Criminal Court (ICC).