Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima and 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Fr. Flaviano "Flavie" Villanueva filed libel and cyber libel complaints against 18 alleged former Marines, and their lawyer, Atty. Levi Baligod, at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) office in Pasay City on Monday morning, March 9, 2026, as reported by RH Jecelle Ricafort.
The legal actions come after the former Marines alleged that they acted as couriers for resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, delivering cash to De Lima, Villanueva, and others in connection with flood control projects.
De Lima and Villanueva also filed perjury complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the same group of former Marines.
In an ambush interview, De Lima described the allegations as "politically motivated," saying they were intended to divert public attention.
"May political agenda ito na gusto nila talagang ilihis, i-distract ang atensyon ng publiko sa mga seryosong issue of accountability. So ngayon naninira sila ng pangalan ng mga tumatrabaho para panagutin sila," she said.
She linked the accusations to her role in House Justice panel hearings on impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte.
De Lima also questioned the timing of the claims, noting that they coincided with the ongoing confirmation of charges hearings at the International Criminal Court (ICC) against former President Rodrigo Duterte.
"Dahil nga po ay meron akong role diyan sa impeachment proceedings against the Vice President. Diba yung paglabas nila na sinumpaang salaysay last February 23 ay ongoing yung proceedings doon sa, mag-i-start na 'yung sa justice committee," De Lima said.
Baligod previously acknowledged an “oversight” in including De Lima’s name on a list of alleged recipients of kickbacks from flood control projects.
He claimed De Lima was present at a meeting where a paper bag filled with cash, and not a suitcase, was handed over.
Alongside De Lima and Villanueva, Atty. Dino De Leon joined the filing of the cyber libel complaint.
