Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has begun reviewing allegations from 18 men claiming to be former members of the Philippine Marine Corps who said they delivered suitcases “filled with cash” to various high-ranking officials, including President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and others.
As chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, Lacson said the first step is to check where the information came from and whether the affidavits these individuals submitted are credible. He’s also asked the Philippine Navy and Philippine Army to verify the backgrounds of the 18 men.
The move comes after Senator Imee Marcos filed a resolution calling for a formal inquiry into what was described as an “alarming and serious” money-delivery allegation.
The ex-Marines’ claims include statements that they delivered cash reportedly from former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, and that Co and ex-senator Antonio Trillanes IV funded accommodations for International Criminal Court (ICC) investigators — claims that have been denied by those named, with the ICC saying its funding is transparent and independent.
Lacson has also expressed concerns about possible political motives behind the timing of the allegations.
