Ex-Marines Implicate Senators, Congressmen in Multi-Million Peso Kickback Scheme

Ex-Marines Implicate Senators, Congressmen in Multi-Million Peso Kickback Scheme

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | June 4, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – A routine Senate hearing on flood control irregularities has escalated into a high-stakes investigation, as a group of self-identified former Marines presented explosive testimony, alleging a deeply entrenched multi-million peso kickback scheme involving direct cash deliveries to some of the nation’s most powerful political figures.

This public inquiry, initially focused on infrastructure, has been hijacked by accusations of systemic corruption, with witnesses claiming personal involvement in transporting vast sums of illicit cash in suitcases.

Those implicated vehemently deny the allegations, dismissing them as politically motivated attempts to destabilize the government.

Direct Cash Deliveries: A Web of Allegations

The Senate chamber became a stage for grave accusations as witnesses meticulously detailed alleged cash deliveries to the private residences or offices of high-ranking officials.

Key witness Johnny Buduan recounted a specific 2022 delivery of five suitcases to Ilocos Norte, explicitly stating his understanding that the shipment was intended for then-presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Buduan detailed a sophisticated transport operation: “We loaded them into a bulletproof Lexus, which was escorted by a black bulletproof Toyota Hilux.” While Buduan’s team transported the suitcases to “Delta Gate,” he identified individuals – Sgt. Belnard Tube and a “Boss Zaldy” (allegedly Zaldy Co) – as proceeding with the delivery to Ilocos Norte.

Belnard Tube corroborated aspects of this narrative, testifying about a subsequent visit to a Paoay property where he observed Marcos family photographs and a distinct “U-shaped” house. Under Senator Imee Marcos’s questioning, Tube claimed to have seen then-Representative Sandro Marcos arrive, followed by President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos during his overnight stay.

Malacañang, through Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro, swiftly challenged the accusers, demanding irrefutable proof: “Let them present the evidence. It’s easy to point fingers, especially if you only intend to destroy an image and serve as an obstructionist or destabilizer. So, they should prove it. They should present documents as evidence instead of merely talking.”

Past and Present: Sotto and Tulfo Entangled in Gaps

The investigation’s scope broadened dramatically, implicating former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. Benny Bulontante, another self-proclaimed ex-Marine, alleged being part of an advance team that proceeded to a building in Baclaran, purportedly associated with Sotto, where five large suitcases, explicitly described as containing cash, were allegedly delivered in early 2024, prior to a general election campaign.

Bulontante claimed the suitcases were moved through a basement and into an elevator upon the arrival of an individual identified as “Co.”

Senator Sotto vehemently denied these allegations, dismissing them as “a bogus investigation in aid of destabilization.” He highlighted a critical discrepancy: his absence from the Senate between 2022 and 2025 and asserted that the alleged recipient of the suitcases died in 2015, long before the purported events.

Senator Erwin Tulfo also found himself implicated, with Bernard Gumban testifying to personally making two separate deliveries to a Greenhills residence allegedly belonging to Tulfo. Gumban described the first delivery as two suitcases (one small, one medium-sized) and the second as six suitcases of varying sizes.

When questioned on how he knew the house belonged to Tulfo, Gumban stated he was informed by an individual named Mark Tecsay.

Senator Tulfo issued a firm denial, pointing out inconsistencies in his accuser’s statements regarding the number and size of suitcases, as well as the alleged amounts of money.

He characterized the proceedings as “propaganda against him” and urged for legitimate Blue Ribbon committee hearings, criticizing the current forum as akin to “fake news and trolls.”

Opposition Figures Named: De Lima and Makabayan Bloc in Cash-Laden Meetings

Further testimony cast a shadow over former Senator Leila de Lima, with a witness alleging her regular attendance at meetings with “Co” in a townhouse and her subsequent departure with “items” after these gatherings. The witness further claimed that these meetings sometimes coincided with House Quad Committee hearings. De Lima has consistently denied similar accusations in the past and has filed legal complaints against those making such claims.

Members of the Makabayan bloc – specifically former Representatives France Castro, Raoul Manuel (Kabataan Party-list), and Arlene Brosas (Gabriela Party-list) – were also named. A witness alleged frequent meetings between Castro and “Co” at both “Co’s” congressional office and a townhouse, with Castro and others purportedly leaving with paper bags after these gatherings. Manuel and Brosas were also alleged to be present during some of these meetings.

In a joint statement, the Makabayan bloc – Castro, Manuel, and Brosas – unequivocally denounced the allegations as “baseless and malicious,” characterizing them as a “desperate act of political demolition.” They stressed their “unblemished record of principled service and integrity” and pointed out their lack of involvement in infrastructure projects, thus precluding any possibility of receiving kickbacks.

NBI Probes Witness Bribery Amidst Volatile Allegations

Adding another layer of intrigue, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) revealed it received information alleging former Congressman Mike Defensor offered P5 million to each of the “18 ex-Marines” in exchange for their testimony on the flood control anomalies. NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed the claim originated from an individual with direct ties to one of the alleged former Marines, explicitly naming Defensor as the source of the financial offer for their press conference appearance. The NBI has since issued a subpoena to Defensor for clarification.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, whose bloc convened the hearing, acknowledged the “heavy” nature of the allegations, particularly in light of previous investigations into corruption. The explosive revelations from these self-proclaimed former Marines underscore the urgent need for a thorough, impartial, and evidence-based investigation. The burden now lies on the accusers to substantiate their claims with concrete and verifiable evidence, and on those accused to fully and transparently address these grave allegations that threaten to erode public trust in government institutions and the rule of law. The nation awaits a full accounting of these deeply concerning accusations.