Ex-Bodyguards Claim P20-25 Million Bribe in Corruption Probe

Ex-Bodyguards Claim P20-25 Million Bribe in Corruption Probe

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | August 10, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – A major corruption investigation in the Philippines has taken a dramatic turn with explosive allegations of a multi-million-peso bribery scheme. Former security aides, key witnesses in a probe implicating high-ranking officials in an alleged kleptocracy, claim they were offered between P20 million and P25 million to retract their sworn statements.

George Villalon Jr., one of 18 former bodyguards, revealed the staggering bribe offer as he posted bail in Las Piñas, igniting a firestorm of controversy. The testimonies at the heart of this scandal implicate President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., former Speaker Martin Romualdez, former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, and other influential figures. This revelation casts a dark shadow over the integrity of ongoing investigations and the pursuit of justice in the Philippines.

The “Maleta Boys” and Perjury Charges

Ten of these former security aides, known as the “Maleta Boys” for their alleged role as couriers for fugitive lawmaker Zaldy Co, were recently released on bail after facing perjury charges. Each posted P74,040, covering four counts of perjury. These charges stem from complaints filed by ex-marine mutineer and former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, ML Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, former National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, and Bureau of Corrections chief Gregorio Catapang Jr.

Their lawyer, Levi Baligod, criticized the “irregular and unusual” handling of the bail process by the Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC), citing delays that led to an overnight detention for the ten men: Reyneboy Julian, Christopher Esquivel, George Villalon Jr., Gil Navidad Jr., Anselmo Taberdo, Joely Cadiao, Rommel Galapon, Bernard Gumban, Fidel Corpuz, and Walter Manalansan. Baligod also highlighted the court’s unusual demand for both a certificate and an affidavit of non-detention, despite his clients’ voluntary surrender, and the alarming refusal of three notaries public to process documents, reportedly due to fears of Senate scrutiny.

P20-25 Million Bribe Alleged Amidst Recantations

The most serious allegations, however, came directly from Villalon Jr. He passionately condemned four of his former colleagues for allegedly succumbing to the immense financial inducement. “I hope my colleagues thoroughly considered their words,” Villalon Jr. stated, addressing those who recanted. “You are a retired Marine, yet you yielded to money. I hope you carefully considered the three others you influenced to recant, that you conspired to switch sides.” When pressed for the exact amount offered, Villalon Jr. unequivocally declared, “P20 million to P25 million.”

He adamantly maintained that no other former bodyguards beyond the initial four intend to recant. “It is not true that others will recant. That is their decision, but we are resolute in standing by the truth of our statements,” he asserted.

Escalating Bribes and Forthcoming Evidence

Attorney Levi Baligod, representing the remaining steadfast former bodyguards, provided a chilling timeline of the alleged attempts to corrupt his clients. Baligod revealed that overtures for recantation had been ongoing for months, with initial offers of P5 million escalating to P10 million before reaching the current alleged sum. While refraining from naming the specific individuals behind these illicit offers, Baligod indicated plans to present compelling evidence, including incriminating text messages from those who recanted, at a forthcoming press conference.

Baligod acknowledged the complex personal circumstances that might have driven some to recant, citing concerns over security, a desire for silence, and the financial burden of traveling to Manila for preliminary investigations. However, the sheer scale of the alleged bribe casts these concerns in a stark new light, suggesting a powerful and well-resourced attempt to subvert justice.

Origins of the Allegations: Suitcases of Cash

These damning allegations stem from a controversy ignited in February 2026, when a group of 18 men, identifying themselves as former security personnel of Zaldy Co—some with military backgrounds—came forward with sworn affidavits. These affidavits detailed their alleged involvement in the delivery of suitcases brimming with cash, implicating high-ranking officials in a vast network of corruption. Eight of these 18 individuals had formally submitted their affidavits to the Office of the Ombudsman. Critically, three of these eight have now recanted their statements, along with one other who was not part of the group that filed an affidavit with the Ombudsman.

Ombudsman Points Finger at Romualdez Camp

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla has expressed his firm belief that the camp of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez is orchestrating the reported recantation of these four individuals.

“Of course! Who else? Who else stands to benefit if those statements are recanted? Isn’t it obvious?” Remulla challenged reporters during a briefing. He added, “You can really see how desperate that camp is to eliminate the witnesses against them because we have already built a solid case.”

When pressed on whether the recantations would weaken or strengthen the case against the former speaker, Remulla asserted “neither.” He clarified, “It doesn’t weaken or strengthen, but of course, it just points out to the fact that there are people working on his behalf to obstruct the ends of justice.”

The individual affidavits of eight of the alleged Co’s ex-bodyguards formed the basis of the anti-graft body’s complaint-affidavits for cases being prepared against Romualdez, including plunder charges related to an alleged kickback scheme in a flood control scandal.

Remulla further maintained that the former bodyguards signed their affidavits freely, emphasizing that the Ombudsman possesses recordings and other corroborating evidence. “We can intimidate Marines? We will intimidate them? They didn’t even want protection because they could handle themselves… You can even see some laughing, some giddy while signing. They were delighted!” he recounted.

“We will stand firm, and we will present witnesses to all the events surrounding the signing of the affidavits,” Remulla vowed. He also indicated a severe consequence for those who recanted their testimonies: they would soon be included as co-accused alongside Romualdez. “That’s natural. The reason they weren’t charged initially was because they were testifying. If they don’t testify, then we will charge them. They will become co-accused. Accessories after the fact, covering up, shielding. As for what changed their minds, you can be the judge. It’s not for me to say what happened there.”

Romualdez Denies Accusations, Cites Prejudice

In a swift and forceful rebuttal, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has vehemently denied the Ombudsman’s accusation that he is behind the reported recantations.

Romualdez asserted that Remulla’s statement clearly demonstrates “prejudice” against him, declaring, “I will not be intimidated.”

“The Ombudsman’s accusation that I am behind the recantations of the former Marines is absolutely not true,” Romualdez stated. “This shows how extremely prejudiced he is.”

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