Maj. Gen. Vicente MAP Blanco III, commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), on Wednesday, Feb. 25, condemned the actions of retired Marines who allegedly acted as “bagmen” in the supposed delivery of P805 billion worth of kickbacks from flood control programs to top government officials, saying they are “unworthy of our respect.”

In a statement, Blanco stressed that individuals discharged without honor in the PMC cannot invoke the Marine Corps adage, “Once a Marine, Always a Marine,” to justify or lend credibility to their actions.

Blanco confirmed that three of the 18 men presented by lawyer Levi Baligod in a highly controversial press conference at Club Filipino in San Juan City on Tuesday, Feb. 24, were indeed retired Marines who acted on their own, emphasizing that their participation was entirely voluntary and not directed or sanctioned by the PMC.

“Based on the information available to us, we understand that their involvement was entirely of their own choosing,” Blanco said.

“They did this on their own personal volition and as such, we should always look with disdain against opportunistic groups or individuals trying to link their actions as being true Marine – they are unworthy of our respect,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy (PN) said four of the 18 individuals presented by Baligod were “never marines” at all.

“The Philippine Navy exercised due diligence to verify the identities and service records of these individuals. Based on official records, four were never members of the Philippine Navy or the Philippine Marine Corps,” she told reporters.

Meanwhile, Martinez noted that a “majority” of the presented individuals were discharged dishonorably from the service, while several others were able to retire in good standing.

“We remind the public to be discerning and to verify the accuracy and credibility of information, including the source and platform used, in order to help prevent and counter misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation which have become increasingly prevalent,” she stressed.

The controversy erupted after Baligod alleged in a press conference that former Marines served as bagmen in the supposed delivery of P805 billion worth of kickbacks linked to flood control projects.

The claims quickly circulated online along with a video of the men.

The lawyer also claimed that the men were former colleagues of retired Marine Master Sergeant Orly Guteza, who was presented as a “surprise witness” during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s inquiry into alleged irregularities in government flood control projects on Sept. 25, 2025.

Guteza alleged that he served as a security consultant for former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and delivered suitcases of cash to Co and then House Speaker Martin Romualdez in relation to flood control funds. Both Co and Romualdez denied the claims.

However, the Navy stressed that the individuals presented by Baligod seen in a now-viral video online “are acting in their private capacities.”

“With regard to Mr. Guteza, we reiterate that he has been retired from the service since June 2020 and is no longer under the administrative authority of the Philippine Navy,” Martinez added.

In a separate statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) urged caution over the allegations made by Baligod.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines notes the recent public statements made by a private lawyer during a press conference allegedly involving individuals described as members of the Philippine Marine Corps,” the AFP said.

“At present, these statements consist of allegations aired in a public forum and must be evaluated through proper legal and investigative processes before competent authorities,” it added.

The AFP also warned against the use of media platforms to amplify unverified accusations.

“We caution against grandstanding and the manipulative use of legitimate media to spread unverified claims that may contribute to disinformation. The Filipino people deserve facts, and we urge all parties to allow lawful processes to take their course,” it said.

The Navy echoed the AFP’s appeal as it underscored its commitment as a “professional, disciplined and non-partisan organization” amid the uproar.

“The Philippine Navy respects and adheres to constitutional processes, including judicial and legislative inquiries. The Navy does not and will never prevent any individual from testifying (to) the truth, as doing so would go against our core values and principles,” Martinez said.

“We will never compromise our values, integrity, and reputation. We remain steadfast in our mandate to defend the country’s sovereignty and serve the Filipino people,” she concluded.