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Advocates Philippines
BuCor Chief Catapang Files Perjury, Cyberlibel Charges Against 18 Alleged 'Ex-Marines'
Screengrab via PNA
Bureau of Corrections Director-General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. has launched legal action against a group of 18 men who claimed they delivered cash-filled suitcases to politicians and government officials, including allegations implicating him.
On Monday, March 9, 2026, Catapang filed perjury and cyberlibel complaints with the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the 18 alleged former Marines and their lawyer, Levito Baligod. He also said he plans to pursue a disbarment case against Baligod before the Supreme Court.
“This is not true. I don’t have that much money… The BuCor doesn’t have that much money as well,” Catapang told reporters, firmly denying the accusations.
The complaints stem from a highly publicized affidavit released in late February, in which the 18 men claimed they were involved in transporting large amounts of cash—allegedly from former Ako Bicol Party-List Rep. Zaldy Co—to lawmakers and other officials in connection with various projects.
Catapang described the allegations as “a demolition job” aimed at damaging reputations. He emphasized that the Bureau of Corrections does not engage in ghost projects or big-money schemes, and said an investigation should proceed regardless of whether the claimants retract their statements.
Other figures named in related claims—including Rep. Leila de Lima and Fr. Flavie Villanueva—have also filed perjury and libel complaints against the group. Former senator Antonio F. Trillanes IV had earlier filed similar charges over alleged payoffs linked to other controversies.
The DOJ has not yet confirmed whether it will open its own investigation, and the 18 alleged former Marines and Baligod have not issued a public response.
On Monday, March 9, 2026, Catapang filed perjury and cyberlibel complaints with the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the 18 alleged former Marines and their lawyer, Levito Baligod. He also said he plans to pursue a disbarment case against Baligod before the Supreme Court.
“This is not true. I don’t have that much money… The BuCor doesn’t have that much money as well,” Catapang told reporters, firmly denying the accusations.
The complaints stem from a highly publicized affidavit released in late February, in which the 18 men claimed they were involved in transporting large amounts of cash—allegedly from former Ako Bicol Party-List Rep. Zaldy Co—to lawmakers and other officials in connection with various projects.
Catapang described the allegations as “a demolition job” aimed at damaging reputations. He emphasized that the Bureau of Corrections does not engage in ghost projects or big-money schemes, and said an investigation should proceed regardless of whether the claimants retract their statements.
Other figures named in related claims—including Rep. Leila de Lima and Fr. Flavie Villanueva—have also filed perjury and libel complaints against the group. Former senator Antonio F. Trillanes IV had earlier filed similar charges over alleged payoffs linked to other controversies.
The DOJ has not yet confirmed whether it will open its own investigation, and the 18 alleged former Marines and Baligod have not issued a public response.
Mar 8, 2026
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