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Advocates Philippines
Remulla: Cash-Delivery Photo In 'Ex-Marines' Affidavit Dates Back To Duterte Era
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla via PNA
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said Friday that a photo used in the controversial affidavit of 18 men claiming to be former Marines may actually show a cash delivery that took place during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte — not under the current government of Ferdinand Marcos Jr..
Speaking to reporters in Quezon City on March 13, Remulla said information he received indicates the image may have been taken during the period when Lord Allan Velasco served as Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines from 2020 to 2022.
“What you see here is a manipulation of facts to make it appear that that was that,” Remulla said during the briefing. “But actually they were playing with timelines and this is one timeline that they played with that this happened before the term of President Marcos.”
The photo, attached to a sworn statement submitted earlier this year, allegedly shows suitcases containing cash that were supposedly delivered to a lawmaker.
Allegations from group claiming to be former Marines
The issue stems from a joint affidavit filed before the Office of the Ombudsman by 18 individuals who introduced themselves as former members of the Philippine Marine Corps.
In their statement, the group claimed they had served as security escorts and couriers for suitcases of cash allegedly linked to former Ako Bicol party-list representative Elizaldy Co. The men alleged that large sums of money were transported to several government officials over a number of years.
The allegations quickly stirred controversy after the affidavit circulated publicly and named several high-profile figures. Some claims suggested the supposed deliveries occurred between 2022 and 2025 and involved massive amounts of money.
NBI tasked to verify claims
To determine whether the allegations have factual basis, the Ombudsman has deputized the National Bureau of Investigation (Philippines) to verify the identities and statements of the individuals behind the affidavit.
Investigators are expected to review the backgrounds of the 18 men and assess whether their testimonies are supported by evidence.
Authorities have also required them to appear for questioning and submit documents related to their claims.
Questions over timeline and credibility
Remulla earlier raised concerns about the credibility of the affidavit, noting that all 18 individuals signed a single joint statement — something he said could raise questions about whether each signatory had direct personal knowledge of the alleged events.
He added that verifying the timeline of evidence, including the photo cited in the affidavit, is crucial in determining whether the claims were misrepresented or taken out of context.
Several officials mentioned in the document have also denied the accusations, describing them as fabricated and politically motivated.
For now, authorities say the matter remains under investigation as they determine whether the allegations could lead to formal charges or be dismissed for lack of credible evidence.
Speaking to reporters in Quezon City on March 13, Remulla said information he received indicates the image may have been taken during the period when Lord Allan Velasco served as Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines from 2020 to 2022.
“What you see here is a manipulation of facts to make it appear that that was that,” Remulla said during the briefing. “But actually they were playing with timelines and this is one timeline that they played with that this happened before the term of President Marcos.”
The photo, attached to a sworn statement submitted earlier this year, allegedly shows suitcases containing cash that were supposedly delivered to a lawmaker.
Allegations from group claiming to be former Marines
The issue stems from a joint affidavit filed before the Office of the Ombudsman by 18 individuals who introduced themselves as former members of the Philippine Marine Corps.
In their statement, the group claimed they had served as security escorts and couriers for suitcases of cash allegedly linked to former Ako Bicol party-list representative Elizaldy Co. The men alleged that large sums of money were transported to several government officials over a number of years.
The allegations quickly stirred controversy after the affidavit circulated publicly and named several high-profile figures. Some claims suggested the supposed deliveries occurred between 2022 and 2025 and involved massive amounts of money.
NBI tasked to verify claims
To determine whether the allegations have factual basis, the Ombudsman has deputized the National Bureau of Investigation (Philippines) to verify the identities and statements of the individuals behind the affidavit.
Investigators are expected to review the backgrounds of the 18 men and assess whether their testimonies are supported by evidence.
Authorities have also required them to appear for questioning and submit documents related to their claims.
Questions over timeline and credibility
Remulla earlier raised concerns about the credibility of the affidavit, noting that all 18 individuals signed a single joint statement — something he said could raise questions about whether each signatory had direct personal knowledge of the alleged events.
He added that verifying the timeline of evidence, including the photo cited in the affidavit, is crucial in determining whether the claims were misrepresented or taken out of context.
Several officials mentioned in the document have also denied the accusations, describing them as fabricated and politically motivated.
For now, authorities say the matter remains under investigation as they determine whether the allegations could lead to formal charges or be dismissed for lack of credible evidence.
Mar 13, 2026
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