What the 18 Ex-Marines Are Claiming
On February 24, 2026, 18 former military personnel held a press conference at Club Filipino in San Juan City. Speaking under oath, they alleged they were hired as security personnel by fugitive former AKO Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy "Zaldy" Co, and were tasked with delivering cash in suitcases (maleta) to government officials from 2022 to 2025.
The amounts involved are staggering. The men claim they handled a total of ₱805 billion — roughly $13.9 billion — in alleged kickbacks derived from ghost flood control infrastructure projects. They say they made as many as four deliveries per week to the homes and offices of lawmakers and officials across Metro Manila.
Among those listed in the affidavit: President Marcos Jr., former Speaker Romualdez, Senate President Sotto, Senators Escudero, Mark Villar, Erwin Tulfo, Loren Legarda, Jinggoy Estrada, Joel Villanueva, Bong Go, and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, among others.
Tulfo's Response: "It's Just a Telenovela"
Senator Erwin Tulfo is urging the Senate to stay out of the scandal — calling the allegations false and warning that a Senate inquiry would be unproductive.
"Problema kasi magiging parang zarzuela na naman yan, telenovela. Ang Senate can only investigate in aid of legislation... nauubos oras sa pag-iimbestiga."
He argues that accountability should be handled by the Ombudsman and DOJ, not the legislature. What he didn't address is why he, as one of the accused, should be the one deciding whether the accused get investigated.
The Navy Pushes Back — But So Does Imee Marcos
The Philippine Navy quickly moved to discredit the group, saying at least four of the 18 were never members of the Navy or Marine Corps. Most of the rest, the AFP added, were dishonorably discharged. The military also denied that any security detail was ever assigned to Zaldy Co.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla — himself a Marcos appointee — dismissed the affidavit as a "canard" and called it politically motivated. But here's the twist: it was Senator Imee Marcos, the president's own sister, who filed Senate Resolution 317 calling for a Senate investigation into the allegations.
Why This Matters
The timing is significant. With midterm elections approaching, any credible Senate inquiry into these allegations would be politically devastating for the Marcos administration. The claims — if proven — would represent one of the largest corruption scandals in Philippine history.
Whether the Senate takes up the investigation or defers to the Ombudsman — whose head Tulfo is now championing — will say a lot about where the chamber's loyalties lie. For now, one of the most powerful voices telling the Senate to back off is a man the accusers say they personally handed bags of cash to. Make of that what you will.