Malacañang said the individuals presenting themselves as former Marines and accusing ranking officials of wrongdoing are part of efforts to remove President Bongbong Marcos from office.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said those backing the supposed whistleblowers are the same groups seeking to destabilize the government.
“Sino ba ang mga taong nasa likod nito, sila rin naman ang mga taong nais na pabagsakin ang gobyernong ito at patalsikin ang Pangulo sa puwesto at iluklok ang kanilang ‘poon’,” she said.
Castro spoke after Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson said the allegations may be part of a destabilization attempt. She also criticized former congressman Mike Defensor, previously calling him “the known wonder boy” and “Ador Mawanay 2.0.”
Castro cited former NEDA Secretary Winnie Monsod, who said “Defensor has a history of either influencing witnesses or training witnesses, or making witnesses disappear.” She urged the public not to allow themselves to be used.
In a separate statement, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año rejected the accusations, calling them inconsistent and drawn from a poorly written script.
“Sa aking part, hindi ko alam kung matatawa ako o maaawa doon sa mga nagsalita,” Año said.
He said his name only appeared in an unsigned affidavit he later saw and denied meeting Rep. Zaldy Co, Martin Romualdez, or Leila de Lima in connection with the claims. He said his only professional interaction with de Lima was when she was justice secretary.
“May mga joint activities na ang iba’t ibang department. After nun, hindi na kami nagkita,” he said.
Año denied receiving money, calling the allegation “very preposterous.”
“That’s not within my professional or ethical attitude,” he added, saying his legal team is ready to act and calling for an investigation into the intent behind the accusations.
