MANILA, Philippines — A group of 18 former Philippine Marines made explosive allegations this week, claiming they were involved in delivering cash kickbacks tied to flood control projects, naming top political figures including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Appearing at a press conference on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Club Filipino in San Juan City, the ex military personnel — who previously served as security aides to businessman and ex lawmaker Zaldy Co — signed a joint affidavit alleging they delivered suitcases of cash worth an estimated ₱805 billion (about $13.9 billion) from anomalous flood control projects to residences linked to Co, Marcos Jr., and Romualdez.
Whistleblower lawyer Levi Baligod presented the group and claimed the alleged kickbacks were coordinated through a messaging group that detailed destinations and amounts, with each suitcase reportedly containing around ₱48 million (about $833,200). He described Marcos Jr. as the “root and leader” of the scheme, saying Romualdez and Co acted with his approval.
The former Marines said deliveries originated from Co’s home in Pasig City and reached various properties, including a residence in Ilocos Norte linked to the president. They claimed remittances began even before contracts for the flood control projects were officially awarded.
Baligod compared the scale of the alleged corruption to the pork barrel scandal of the past, calling this “far larger” and urging the public to demand transparency and accountability. He said the revelations corroborate previous Senate testimony by Orly Guteza, another former marine who testified in 2025 about delivering cash filled luggage to Romualdez and Co.
Twelve additional ex Marines reportedly could not attend the press conference due to safety concerns, while others have indicated an intention to come forward in the future.
As of now, the allegations remain unproven, and the individuals named — including President Marcos Jr. and Romualdez — have not issued official responses to the claims.
The accusations have sent shockwaves through Philippine politics, intensifying scrutiny on flood control projects and prompting calls for deeper investigations into the alleged misuse of public funds.
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