"The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose."

Senator Raffy Tulfo invoked a biblical warning on Monday, June 8, as he urged Filipinos to be cautious about whom they believe, using the example of Satan quoting the Book of Psalms while tempting Jesus in the wilderness to underscore his doubts about the credibility of a group of witnesses who have linked public officials to alleged cash deliveries.

Speaking before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, Tulfo warned the public not to be swayed by labels or appearances, saying people should examine the facts behind the claims being made.

The senator's remarks came as he criticized the witnesses he dubbed the "18 kargador," questioning both their credibility and the consistency of their testimonies.

He said not all of the witnesses were former Marines, and some had reportedly been discharged from military service for various reasons, including being absent without official leave.

“We cannot simply bring in people to the Blue Ribbon Committee making serious allegations without first determining whether they are credible and reliable,” Tulfo said.

The senator also pointed to what he described as discrepancies in the witnesses’ testimonies, including claims involving a church in Mindanao Avenue, references to an iPhone model that had not yet been released during the period in question, and changing narratives regarding alleged cash deliveries to lawmakers.

Tulfo further questioned claims involving a money-changing operation allegedly located in Makati’s Pearlbank Building, saying preliminary checks showed no record of such a business operating there.

He also cited allegations previously made against Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and Representative Leila de Lima that were later disputed.

The senator suggested that some of the witnesses appeared to have difficulty recounting events on their own and alleged that they were being guided.

“Pag medyo nagkakamali, inaayos ang testimonya (If they somehow make errors, their testimonies get fixed),” Tulfo said, claiming that questions and answers during the event appeared to be coached.

Tulfo also defended members of the Senate media corps after some journalists were accused of being biased or paid, saying such allegations unfairly tarnished the profession.

He likewise took a swipe at Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who had previously complained about not receiving prominent newspaper coverage, noting that news organizations had still reported his statements through their online platforms.

“The front page is reserved for the biggest and latest news,” Tulfo said.

The senator also called for an investigation into allegations that the witnesses had been paid P5 million, stressing that he was not asserting the claim as fact but urging the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to present the individual who made the accusation.

Tulfo warned the witnesses that they could eventually face legal consequences if the allegations they made were proven false and claimed that political figures backing them might later distance themselves.

Addressing the public, Tulfo urged Filipinos to be cautious about accepting claims at face value, saying labels such as “hero” or “marine” should not automatically confer credibility.

Before ending his remarks, Tulfo criticized lawmakers who had described the witnesses as heroes, arguing that individuals who admitted to delivering alleged kickbacks should not be placed on a pedestal.