ONE of the alleged cash deliveries involving the purported 18 former Marines took place during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte, according to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday.
Meanwhile, the supposed former Marines who allegedly delivered significant amounts of cash to government officials clammed up when they appeared at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
In a related development, Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon Committee chairman Panfilo Lacson said the panel remains open to hearing the testimonies of the 18 former Marines who claimed to have delivered alleged kickbacks to certain individuals, provided their sworn statements were factual and verifiable.
“There was a delivery done of the 18 marines supposedly in the joint affidavit of the 18 marines pointed to a delivery to one of the congressmen. But… it appears that this delivery was done during the time of Speaker Lord Velasco, that picture that was put in the affidavit was done during the time of Speaker Lord Velasco,” Remulla said in a press briefing.
Remulla described the narrative as “manipulation of facts” noting it is not an entirely accurate depiction.
Velasco served as Speaker from October 2020 to June 2022.
Remulla clarified that one of the pictures in the affidavit was taken before they assumed office.
Remulla shared that the luggage’s reportedly contained money that was delivered before 2022.
NBI director Melvin Matibag said the investigators were unable to carry out its fact-finding task because 16 of the so-called “Baligod 18” refused to talk.
“Attorney [Levi] Baligod assured that they would return. Out of 18, 16 showed up. However, none of them spoke, not even during the media interview,” Matibag said.
Matibag also said former congressman Mike Defensor, along with lawyer Ferdinand Topacio and Baligod, represented the 16 ex-Marines.
“How are we supposed to investigate that? How can the NBI fulfill our work if these individuals making complaints are not cooperating?” he lamented, adding that they needed the testimonies to build a solid case and hold those responsible accountable.
Matibag also highlighted alleged inconsistencies in the narratives of Topacio and Baligod. “One of them claims that he agreed to investigate them one by one. The other one, however, said it is suspicious if you asked them one by one,” he noted.
Baligod asserted that the 16 were unprepared for the investigation, but were only willing to provide their personal details as “Marines”.
Matibag maintained that court rules and the Constitution permits the investigation of alleged witnesses individually to avoid influence or collusion, ensure the consistency of their statements, and safeguard their integrity.
He said the NBI would look into the individuals mentioned in the Marines’ affidavit, but only if witnesses demonstrated to possess substance and credibility.
“Allow me to clarify, we will also investigate the individuals they mentioned, provided that what they assert can be proven to have substance and can stand in any court,” Matibag said.
“This is fundamental in law, according to the rule that necessitates an investigation, to ascertain the nature of the complaint, summon the complainant, and once it is established who among them is telling the truth, we will bring them to court,” he added.
Meanwhile, Lacson said his committee would have already invited the group to testify if their claims had fallen within reasonable and realistic circumstances.
“While the Blue Ribbon Committee’s doors are not closed to them, they just need to correct their statements so the hearing does not turn into a circus,” he said.
The senator acknowledged that cash deliveries to certain beneficiaries linked to alleged kickbacks from flood control projects may have occurred, but he said parts of the group’s earlier statements appear to go beyond plausible limits.
He specifically pointed to the claim that a total of ₱805 billion in cash was delivered, which he said raises serious doubts not only because of the amount but also due to the logistical challenges of handling and transporting such a massive sum.
Lacson said he had already urged lawyer Levito Baligod, who presented the 18 individuals during a press conference at Club Filipino, to address the issue and review the statements.
“They must think about it carefully. They can retract their initial statements and say they overlooked some details. The important thing is to bring their statements closer to reality so that the Blue Ribbon Committee will not be entertaining lies,” he said.
Lacson also maintained that the investigation will continue to follow evidence wherever it leads despite accusations that he is protecting certain personalities.
