Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday criticized the apparent lack of response to explosive claims made by a group of men identifying themselves as former soldiers.
The group alleged they had delivered billions of pesos in payoffs to senior government officials, including President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
In a statement, Duterte praised the whistleblowers—who claimed to be former security aides of ex-Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co—for coming forward with their allegations regarding suitcases filled with government funds linked to purportedly anomalous flood control projects.
“Hanga ako sa tapang ng mga naging security personnel ni dating Congressman Zaldy Co na naglakas-loob magsalita tungkol sa umano’y paghahatid ng mga maletang puno ng bilyon-bilyong pisong pondo ng pamahalaan,” the Vice President said.
According to their lawyer, Levito Baligod, the 18 men claimed to have transported as much as ₱805 billion in cash to multiple officials.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines, however, swiftly refuted the allegations, stating that the men were not active members of the Philippine Marine Corps at the time and had never served as Co’s security detail. The Philippine Navy also clarified that some of the men had never been part of the Marines.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año has filed criminal complaints against the men, their lawyer, and former Anakalusugan Party-list Representative Mike Defensor.
Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation has launched its own inquiry into the backgrounds of the individuals involved.
Malacañang dismissed the accusations, labeling them a “lousy script” and a deliberate smear campaign.
Duterte, however, contrasted the muted reaction to these claims with the immediate attention corruption allegations against her previously received.
“Ngunit habang ang mga paratang laban sa akin ay agad na ginawang sentro ng mga pagdinig… tila nakakabingi ang katahimikan ngayon,” she said, recalling past congressional investigations into her own controversies.
She also expressed disappointment with civil society organizations, religious leaders, and lawmakers for their silence.
“Sadyang nakakabingi ang katahimikan… ng mga mambabatas na nagsasabing sila ay para sa transparency at accountability,” Duterte added.
The Vice President further accused the current administration of failing to take decisive action regarding the alleged payoffs.
“Dagdag pa rito, tila walang interes o agarang hakbang mula sa kasalukuyang administrasyon na siyasatin ang katotohanan hinggil sa mga bilyon-bilyong suhol,” she said.
“Hindi dapat selective ang galit sa isyu ng katiwalian. Ang pera ng bayan ay hindi dapat inilalagay sa maleta at ang katotohanan ay hindi dapat inilalagay sa katahimikan,” Duterte emphasized.