Senator Imee Marcos has urged the 18 former Philippine Marines to present their accusations with full courage and evidence, warning against “trial by publicity” that could tarnish the dignity of Congress.
Marcos made the call in a press conference as she filed a resolution seeking an inquiry in aid of legislation into the alleged money delivery scheme involving ex-military personnel.
Her resolution stems from lawyer Levi Baligod’s accusation that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. masterminded the delivery of ₱805 billion worth of alleged kickbacks to politicians from anomalous flood control projects.
Baligod made the claim on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Club Filipino in San Juan City, accompanied by 18 former Marines.
The lawyer, a one-time senatorial candidate, said the former Marines—described as former colleagues of ex-master sergeant Orly Guteza—delivered the money on the order of the Chief Executive.
Citing these ex-military personnel, Marcos noted in her resolution that they were also tasked to fetch and drop off International Criminal Court (ICC) personalities in 2024 and 2025.
From 2023 to 2025, they allegedly delivered money four times to former Senator Sonny Trillanes for ICC-related expenses.
Marcos emphasized that while the former soldiers have expressed willingness to stand by their statements under oath, she expects this to be done formally to ensure accountability.
“Hindi maaaring trial by publicity ang mangyari. Hindi maaaring ang institusyon ng Senado at pati na rin ang Kongreso at ang dangal ng bawat halal ng bayan, Senado man o Kongresista ay mayurakan nang walang kalaban-laban,” she said.
She added that her defense of the Senate is not about personalities or friendships but about protecting the institution as the “voice and fortress of the nation.”
“Kaya kung ang mismong tanggulan ang inaakusahan, marapat din na dito magharap-harapan na,” Marcos declared. (Dhel Nazario)
