Former Representatives France Castro of ACT Teachers Party-list, Arlene Brosas of Gabriela Party-list, and Raoul Manuel of Kabataan Party-list have vehemently denied the accusations leveled against them by the “Marines 18” group, labeling the claims as a politically driven ploy to protect the Duterte family from accountability.
In a joint statement, the three former lawmakers asserted that the allegations are part of a coordinated strategy to undermine personalities involved in leading impeachment efforts and other transparency measures.
“Ang pag-atakeng ito sa mga mambabatas at aktibistang bahagi ng impeachment ay isang sistematikong pagtatangka na gibain ang kredibilidad ng sinumang nangangahas na panagutin ang pamilyang Duterte,” they said.
The former officials directly rejected assertions that they accepted kickbacks stemming from corrupt flood control projects.
“Ang buong kwento—na kami raw ay madalas nakikipagkita kay Zaldy Co at umaalis na may dalang mga paper bag—ay isang nakakahiyang kasinungalingan. Walang katotohanan at walang batayan ang ganitong mga akusasyon,” they said.
They further stressed that the allegations are completely unsubstantiated and driven by sheer speculation.
“All they have are conjectures, vague insinuations, and outright lies, because they have no evidence of any wrongdoing by Makabayan. Anyone can produce a photo and make an outrageous claim, but these so-called witnesses have failed to present an iota of evidence that will hold up in any court. Nandadamay lang para sa kanilang pro-Duterte agenda,” the statement read.
Castro, Brosas, and Manuel explained that the Makabayan bloc could not have been part of any infrastructure-related corruption because their respective offices never sponsored or handled public works projects.
“Makabayan cannot be involved in the flood control scam because we have no infrastructure projects nominated by our offices.”
They added:
“Wala kaming matatanggap na anumang kickback dahil wala naman kaming proyekto.”
The former lawmakers also pointed out that the timing of these accusations is highly suspicious, noting that they emerged alongside major legal and political battles facing the Dutertes.
“Inilulunsad ito habang papalapit ang mga impeachment trial laban kay Sara Duterte at habang nagpapatuloy ang paglilitis ng ICC kay Rodrigo Duterte para sa crimes against humanity,” they said.
Characterizing the claims as a smokescreen, the trio stated:
“This is a classic, desperate diversion. Kapag naipit na sa sariling mga krimen at katiwalian, ang tugon ng mga Duterte at ng kanilang mga alyado ay ang gumawa ng mga kwento at atakehin ang mga nagrereklamo.”
Additionally, they called out former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, accusing him of prodding the Armed Forces of the Philippines to zero in on Makabayan and allied activist organizations.
“This is not just gossip; it is a dangerous incitement,” they said.
They alleged that Cayetano is attempting to curry favor with the armed forces by framing their coalition as a target for military intelligence.
“Cayetano is pandering to the military establishment, asking intelligence agencies to target Makabayan as if we are not targeted enough already,” they added.
Despite the intensifying political pressure and accusations, the former House members vowed to persist with their reform advocacies and anti-corruption campaigns.
“Makabayan will not be cowed by baseless claims or by militarist threats. We will continue to stand with the people in holding the powerful accountable,” they concluded.