In a startling revelation, 18 individuals identifying themselves as former Marines have come forward, alleging they delivered large sums of cash in suitcases to prominent government officials. Among those named are President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Senator Vicente Sotto III, Senator Erwin Tulfo, Mamamayang Liberal party-list Representative Leila de Lima, former ACT Teachers Party-list Representative France Castro, and others.
Joint Affidavit Details
According to a joint affidavit signed by the 18 former soldiers, who claim to be operatives or bagmen of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, they delivered billions of pesos in kickbacks from flood control projects. The cash was reportedly packed in suitcases, each containing approximately 48 million pesos.
Senate Hearing Testimony
During a Senate hearing on the flood control mess, one of the ex-Marines, Johnny Buduan, testified that in 2022, they delivered five suitcases to Ilocos Norte intended for President Marcos Jr. Another witness stated that during the 2022 campaign period, suitcases were received by Representative Sandro Marcos, with Zaldy Co taking photographs.
The witnesses also claimed that Senator Vicente Sotto was given millions of pesos, delivered in five large suitcases at a building in Baclaran, Parañaque in 2024, before the election campaign period. Witness Bernard Gumban confirmed two deliveries to Senator Erwin Tulfo's residence: first a small to medium suitcase (estimated 20-50 million pesos), and later six suitcases of various sizes.
List of Recipients
Other officials on the list of frequent recipients or meeting partners of Zaldy Co, as revealed in the hearing, include Representative France Castro, former Representative Leila de Lima, and former Representative Raoul Manuel. Also named were former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who allegedly received funds for the ICC investigation, and priest Fr. Flavie Villanueva.
Additional lawmakers reportedly receiving cash-filled suitcases include Representatives Terry Ridon, Gerville Luistro, former Representative Arlene Brosas, Benny Abante, Zia Adiong, Jose Alvarez, former Representative Ace Barbers, Joel Chua, former Representative Dan Fernandez, Janette Garin, and former Representative Stella Quimbo.
