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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Truth' forum by 'ex-Marines' dissolves into disarray

'Truth' forum by 'ex-Marines' dissolves into disarray

Published May 8, 2026 08:05 pm

At A Glance

  • Organizers had billed the gathering as a public venue for clarity but despite prior assurances that the event would be open to the press, mainstream media outlets were abruptly barred from the venue, triggering an immediate and organized walkout by the journalists.
Pork Barrel Fund Scam whistleblower Atty. Levi Baligod presents the 18 men who were said to be former workmates of Orly Guteza during his time as Zaldy Co's security personnel during a press conference in San Juan City on Feb. 24, 2026. The men were said to have allegedly delivered suitcases filled with money to the houses of several high-ranking government officials, including Co, the President, and former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez. (Photo from former Rep. Mike Defensor)
Pork Barrel Fund Scam whistleblower Atty. Levi Baligod presents the 18 men who were said to be former workmates of Orly Guteza during his time as Zaldy Co's security personnel during a press conference in San Juan City on Feb. 24, 2026. The men were said to have allegedly delivered suitcases filled with money to the houses of several high-ranking government officials, including Co, the President, and former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez. (Photo from former Rep. Mike Defensor)
A forum intended to “ferret out the truth” involving 18 alleged former Marines linked to the massive flood control controversy, also referred to as the “Maleta Boys,” who supposedly delivered billions of cash in suitcases to former Ako-Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, took a chaotic turn on Friday, May 8, at the Valle Verde Country Club in Pasig City as the event’s promise of transparency collapsed into a media blackout.
Organizers had billed the gathering as a public venue for clarity but despite prior assurances that the event would be open to the press, mainstream media outlets were abruptly barred from the venue, triggering an immediate and organized walkout by the journalists.
A Facebook post by the social media page “General Talk” and retired Air Force General Romeo Poquiz said the event was supposed to take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., inviting the public to witness an exposé by the former Marines related to the flood control issue.
The organizers have yet to issue a statement why the event was suddenly held behind closed doors.
To recall, lawyer Levito Baligod presented the 18 men in a press conference in San Juan City, and introduced thems as former workmates of Orly Guteza, a retired Marine who surfaced as a witness during a Senate inquiry into alleged anomalies in flood control projects in September 2025.
The group claimed in an affidavit that they delivered P805 billion to several government officials including Co, President Marcos Jr., former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Mamamayang Liberal Partylist Rep. Leila de Lima, and former National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, among others.
The money was supposedly connected to anomalous flood control projects but the supposed recipients of the kickback money vehemently denied the group's allegation.
The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) also clarified that four of the 18 men were not part of its organization, while most members of the group were dishonorably discharged from the service.
In March, Año filed a criminal complaint before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the former Marines for tagging him in an affidavit alleging payoff deliveries.

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Marines Zaldy Co Levito Baligod
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