Malacañang on Friday cautioned individuals claiming to be former members of the Philippine Marine Corps against allowing themselves to be used in allegations involving the supposed delivery of large sums of cash to government officials.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro issued the warning during a media briefing when asked about accusations aired by a group of 18 individuals who said they were former Marines and who alleged that billions of pesos were handed to certain officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Castro said the Palace had no specific information confirming whether the individuals were being used, but she noted that the motives of those behind the allegations were already apparent. She urged those involved to consider the broader impact of their actions on the country.
The group earlier claimed they were previously employed as personal assistants and security consultants by former lawmaker Zaldy Co. Together with their lawyer, Levito Baligod, they also alleged that Co and former senator Antonio Trillanes IV financed hotel accommodations for investigators from the International Criminal Court.
Both the ICC and Trillanes denied the claims. The Palace reiterated that it was aware of these denials and stressed that the allegations remained unsubstantiated.
Castro also criticized former Anakalusugan party-list representative Mike Defensor for his involvement in the issue, while noting that Defensor had acknowledged helping the individuals but denied having any role in preparing their affidavits. Defensor said the group dealt directly with their legal counsel.
On claims that Philippine officials had been coordinating with ICC investigators, Castro said the administration had consistently maintained that it was only complying with domestic laws and existing obligations with Interpol, including what it described as residual commitments.
She added that inconsistencies had emerged in the claims of the alleged former Marines, noting that some were later found not to have served in the military. This, she said, raised further questions about the credibility of the allegations and the interests driving them.
