The National Bureau of Investigation has issued subpoenas to 18 individuals introduced as former Marines who alleged that several government officials received large sums of money linked to flood control projects.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed that the agency summoned the group as part of an investigation ordered by the Office of the Ombudsman. “We were deputized by the Ombudsman to investigate,” Matibag said. According to Matibag, the subpoenas against the 18 individuals were issued on March 5.
The individuals were earlier presented by lawyer Levito Baligod as former Marines who claimed they served as “bagmen” tasked with delivering P805 billion in alleged kickbacks connected to flood control projects. The group accused several officials of receiving cash allegedly delivered in suitcases, bags, or paper bags.
Baligod also alleged that Bongbong Marcos masterminded the supposed scheme and claimed the funds were distributed to several politicians, including Martin Romualdez and Zaldy Co.
Officials from the administration rejected the allegations. Presidential Communications Office press officer Claire Castro described the claims as a “lousy script” and “not award-worthy,” saying they were part of a smear campaign against the President.
The Philippine Navy also raised questions about the identities of the individuals. The service earlier said that four of the 18 were not members of the Navy, while the majority had been dishonorably discharged.
The NBI investigation now focuses on verifying the identities of the individuals and examining the allegations as authorities gather documents and testimonies connected to the case.
