National Security Adviser Eduardo Año on Wednesday dismissed allegations by 18 former Marines who claimed they had delivered cash to several politicians, including him, from former congressman Zaldy Co.
In a statement, Año said, “I categorically reject and denounce the malicious, unsigned affidavit purportedly from eighteen ex-Marines accusing me of receiving a paper bag after a meeting at the Polo Club townhouse.”
“To set the record straight, I have never attended any meeting with former Speaker Martin Romualdez, former Cong. Zaldy Co, and Cong. Leila de Lima in the Polo Club townhouse or in any other location nor did I receive any paper bag or package from them,” he added.
Año said his legal team will “take all necessary actions” as he will not allow the matter to smear his reputation.
“We will have our own investigation to determine whether this malicious stunt—given its timing amid the ICC hearings, the EDSA anniversary, and the planned “One Time Big Time” mass action—is seemingly part of a broader effort to undermine or destabilize government institutions,” Año said.
He added, “I urge the public to be discerning and not be swayed by misinformation. Rest assured, the government will continue to address legitimate concerns through proper channels and uphold the rule of law at all times.”
On Tuesday, 18 individuals who were introduced as former ex-Marines, accompanied by their lawyer Levi Baligod, claimed to have delivered suitcases filled with money amounting to about P805 billion that allegedly originated from anomalous flood control projects.
The group also linked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., among other political figures, to the alleged cash deliveries.
Malacañang, as well as other politicians named in the matter, dismissed the accusations.
“Paulit-ulit na kasinungalingan laban sa Pangulo, lousy script, hindi pang-award winning. Hindi malinis, alam mo na may kasinungalingan… so sino ba ang nasa likod nito?” Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said.
