24/02/2026
BREAKING: EX-MARINES CLAIM THEY DELIVERED SUITCASES TO MARCOS HOMES
MANILA, Feb 24, 2026 (AFP) – A group of former Philippine Marines, identifying themselves as former aides to a key lawmaker, publicly admitted on Monday to delivering multiple suitcases to the private residences of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., sparking fresh allegations of corruption and intensifying political pressure on the embattled leader.
In a press briefing in Greenhills, San Juan, organized by their lawyer, the self-confessed former military men claimed they transported luggage, which they alleged contained cash, to the President’s home in the posh Forbes Park subdivision in Makati City and to another property in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.
One of the men, who used the pseudonym "Bernard" for security reasons, told reporters that the deliveries were made on the instructions of their principal, Zaldy Co, a representative of the party-list group Ako Bicol and a key ally of the President in the House of Representatives.
When asked directly by journalist Eden Santos if they had made deliveries to the President's residence, Bernard replied in the affirmative.
"Yes, we delivered," he said in Filipino.
Pressed further on the location, Bernard stated, "At 41 Forbes," referring to the President’s well-known residence in the Forbes Park subdivision. He confirmed that this was the home of Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The former Marine also disclosed a separate delivery to Ilocos Norte. According to Bernard, five suitcases were delivered to the President's home in Paoay. He added that Representative Co was present during that particular delivery.
"Also in Ilocos... Congressman Zaldy Co was with us," Bernard said.
The group's lawyer, Levi Baligod, who has previously represented whistleblowers in major corruption scandals, clarified that the deliveries were made directly to the properties, not just in the general vicinity. Baligod asserted that they possess evidence to substantiate the claims.
"They delivered in Ilocos Norte, to the house itself. In Paoay, to the house of... BBM," Baligod said, using the President's common nickname. "Yes, and there is evidence for that."
The allegations come at a politically sensitive time for Mr. Marcos. The House of Representatives is currently in the process of reviewing multiple impeachment complaints filed against him . Those complaints accuse the President of betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution, including allegations of corruption and the mismanagement of infrastructure funds using what critics have termed the "BBM Parametric Formula" . Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc have previously called for a thorough investigation into similar allegations of corruption in government projects .
Malacañang has yet to issue an official response to the specific claims made by the former Marines on Monday. Presidential aides have in the past stated that Mr. Marcos is aware of the impeachment process and will follow legal procedures .
No independent verification of the men's claims or the alleged evidence has been made, and no official documents have been released to the public. The President has previously denied any serious wrongdoings.
Opposition figures and civic groups are now calling for a comprehensive and transparent investigation to ascertain the truth behind the latest accusations and to hold any culpable parties accountable.
