Former congressman Mike Defensor on Monday denied claims linking him to any attempt to destabilize the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., following revelations about supposed 18 former Philippine Marine Corps allegedly acting as “bagmen” for former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co.

"Dito sa sitwasyon na ito hindi mo na kailangan i-destabilize ang gobyerno. Siya na ang nagde-destabilize sa kanyang sarili. Kaya ako ‘yung sinabing destabilization, hindi [totoo]. Ang hinahanap natin ang katotohanan…Hindi ako nagde-destabilize. Sila ang nagde-destabilize ng gobyerno," he said during an exclusive interview in Dos Por Dos.

The denial came after several government officials raised concerns that the allegations were part of a destabilization plot, with Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson weighing in as well, describing the claims as a possible attempt to undermine the administration.

Ealier, Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro claimed that those behind the allegations—purportedly from former Marines accusing senior officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., of receiving kickbacks—are the same individuals seeking to oust him from office.

Defensor fired back at Castro after he likened him to Antonio Luis Marquez, more commonly known as 'Ador Mawanay,' a controversial whistleblower from the early 2000s who later recanted his testimony.

“Hindi ako kumikibo sa isyu na ‘yan dahil nagkamali sila. Yung kaso talaga na kinasangkutan ko ay yung Udong Mahusay issue,” Defensor said, stressing that his past involvement was limited to the 2003 Eugenio “Udong” Mahusay Jr. case related to the “Jose Pidal” controversy, not any alleged corruption or destabilization schemes.

Defensor criticized Castro’s characterization of the issue, emphasizing the need for factual reporting from the Office of the President.

“Yung kay Usec. Claire Castro, hindi naman marites–Office of the President 'yan e. ‘Pag nagsalita siya, diba, medyo dapat hindi parang chismisan yung kwento,” he said.

He added that the alleged corruption involving the 18 former marines should be addressed in proper hearings at the Senate, Congress, or Ombudsman.

“Sa tamang panahon, ipapaliwanag din ng mga sundalo kung ano ba ‘tong issue ng korapsyon dito sa ating bansa, kung ano yung nakita nila... Kapag nagkaroon ng formal hearing sa Senado, sa Kongreso o maging sa Ombudsman, magsasalita sila dito tungkol sa kung ano talaga yung dalahan ng pera,“ he added.

Defensor said his actions concerning the former marines were motivated by a “personal agenda“ to protect them from treatment similar to that of former member of Marines and alleged bagman of Co, Sgt. Orly Guteza, who allegedly faced illegal detention and pressure to recant testimony.

He said he has evidence of these incidents, which he plans to release at the proper time. He emphasized that his focus is on ensuring accountability and security for the military personnel involved.

“May personal agenda ako dahil sa nangyari kay Sgt. [Orly] Guteza…Kaya noong malaman ko ang mga Marines na ito, hindi ako papayag na mangyari sa kanila ‘yung nnagyari kay Sgt. Guteza. ‘Yun ang aking personal agenda proteksyunan ‘yung pamilya, kinakailangan proteksyunan ‘yung bawat isa, ‘yung seguridad ng bawat sundalo,” he said.

“Kung ang sinasabi nila nagsisinungaling ‘yung mga sundalo [18 ex-marines] bigyan nga nila ng pagkakataon. Tingnan nila kung ano ang sinasabi, ilagay nila sa tamang proseso kasi ang nangyayari sa bansa natin, sa mga nangyayaring imbestigasyon. ‘Pag nagsabi ka ng totoo at parang kontra sa kanila, ayan na kulong na. Ayan na nawala na, [gaya] ni Guteza,“ the former lawmaker added.

Defensor rejected any notion that his involvement with the former marines or his public statements are intended to destabilize the current administration.

Earlier, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying“ Remulla on Saturday dismissed as a “canard story” the signed joint-affidavit of 18 supposed former Marines.

The testimonies of the alleged former Marines were made public a day before the “Trillion Peso March” and coincided with the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.