Ex-Marines Allege Cash Deliveries to Senior Officials; Senate Review Sought

On February 24, 2026, eighteen men identifying themselves as former members of the Philippine Marine Corps held a press conference at Club Filipino in San Juan City where they alleged that they had delivered suitcases and paper bags containing cash to senior government officials and individuals linked to activities involving the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The allegations, presented publicly through their legal counsel, remain unverified. Officials named in related reports have denied wrongdoing, and no formal charges have been announced as of publication.

Press Conference Details

The press briefing was organized by lawyer Levito Baligod, who appeared alongside the 18 men. During the event, the group claimed that they had served as part of a logistics and security team tasked with transporting large sums of cash on multiple occasions.

They alleged that funds were delivered in suitcases and paper bags to high-ranking officials. The group also claimed that certain expenses connected to individuals associated with ICC-related activities in the Philippines — including accommodations and transportation — were financed by private interests.

No financial records, bank documents, or independent evidence were publicly presented during the briefing.

Affidavit Claim

The group said it submitted a joint affidavit to the Office of the Ombudsman detailing the allegations presented at the press conference. As of publication, the Ombudsman has not issued a public confirmation regarding the filing or indicated whether a preliminary investigation has commenced.

It remains unclear whether the affidavit has been formally docketed.

Government and Institutional Responses

Malacañang dismissed the allegations, stating that the claims lack factual basis. Palace officials questioned the credibility of the individuals making the accusations.

The Philippine Navy separately stated that it is verifying the service records of the men presented as former Marines. The Navy noted that some of the individuals are no longer in active service.

Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV has denied any involvement in providing funds connected to ICC activities and has indicated he may pursue legal remedies in response to what he described as false claims.

As of publication, businessman Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co has not released a public statement directly addressing the allegations.

Senate Action

On February 25, Senator Imee Marcos filed a resolution seeking a Senate inquiry into the allegations, citing their seriousness and potential implications for public accountability.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson, who chairs the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, said that initial verification efforts would focus on authenticating the military service records of the individuals and reviewing any sworn affidavits submitted to authorities.

No formal hearing date has been announced.

Broader Context

The allegations arise amid ongoing national discussions concerning public spending oversight and the Philippines’ relationship with the International Criminal Court.

Although the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019, the ICC maintains that it retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the country was still a state party.

The ICC has consistently stated that its investigations are governed by its institutional funding and oversight mechanisms and that it does not publicly disclose operational details of ongoing proceedings.

What Happens Next

Verification of the identities and service records of the individuals involved, as well as confirmation of any filed affidavits, will likely determine whether formal investigations proceed.

If the Senate moves forward with a hearing, individuals named in connection with the allegations may be called to testify under oath.

At this stage, the claims remain unproven, and officials referenced in related reports have denied the allegations. Further developments will depend on the actions of investigative and legislative bodies.