Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying“ Remulla on Saturday dismissed as a “canard story” the signed affidavit of 18 supposed former Marines who allegedly served as “bagmen” for former congressman Zaldy Co, delivering suitcases of cash to politicians, including President Bongbong Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Speaking on DZRH’s Executive Session program, Remulla questioned the credibility of the joint affidavit, emphasizing that affidavits must be based on personal knowledge.
“18 people signed one affidavit, an affidavit is supposed to contain—dapat diyan nakasulat diyan personal knowledge mo. ‘Yung sarili mo lang, karanasan, kaalaman, sarili mong kaalaman. Paano naging common knowledge sa kanila ‘yung 18 lagi sila magkakasama sa buong affidavit na iyon? Sa lahat ng lakad magkakasama sila 18, impossible iyon” Remulla said.
Remulla maintained that the claims lack the personal basis required for sworn statements, calling the narrative fabricated. He also urged that the 18 individuals testify before the Senate to substantiate their allegations.
“Paano naging personal knowledge iyon, canard...Gusto ko tumestigo ‘yung 18 sa Senado,” he emphasized.
“Mahirap maniwala na ‘yung 18 yun lahat sila alam nila lahat ng nakasulat sa affidavit na ‘yon…It’s possible na nagsama sila minsan 18 sila, nagkwentuhan pero para magkasama sila sa lakad doon, alam nila lahat ng sinasabi roon medyo iba na ‘yun,” he said.
The affidavit alleges that the group delivered approximately ₱805 billion in cash to more than 30 government officials, including at least seven senators and over 20 current or former members of the House of Representatives.
Remulla suggested that the issue is “politically motivated,“ claiming that the group is attempting to create a “tipping point” by presenting the narrative that 18 Marines cannot be wrong.
“Ano ‘yung they trying to create a tipping point na 18 marines cannot be wrong, marami nga diyan discharged, marami diyan hindi naman marines , nagke-create sila ng tipping point. Political” he said.
He further claimed that the timing and presentation of the exposé indicate an intention to destabilize the government, adding that “clearly, they want a coup.”
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.
On February 26, lawyer Levito "Levy" Baligod filed a referral complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman, urging an investigation into the allegations raised by the 18 individuals.
Baligod called for a probe into possible violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Meanwhile, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag earlier ordered an investigation into the exposé made by the group.
