Año dismisses ‘malicious’ cash deliveries accusations

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año on Thursday rejected the allegations of former Marines that he received a paper bag as the ex-soldiers claimed delivering cash to some politicians from former lawmaker Zaldy Co.

In a statement released by the National Security Council, Año called the allegations “malicious,” “entirely false,” and "fabricated."

“I categorically reject and denounce the malicious, unsigned affidavit purportedly from eighteen ex-Marines accusing me of receiving a paper bag after a meeting at the Polo Club townhouse,” he said.

“To set the record straight, I have never attended any meeting with former Speaker Martin Romualdez, former Cong. Zaldy Co, and Cong Leila De Lima in the Polo Club townhouse or in any other location nor did I receive any paper bag or package from them,” he added.

Año said his legal team is ready to take “all necessary actions” as he does not tolerate attempts to smear his reputation.

“We will have our own investigation to determine whether this malicious stunt—given its timing amid the ICC hearings, the EDSA anniversary, and the planned ‘One Time Big Time’ mass action—is seemingly part of a broader effort to undermine or destabilize government institutions.

“I urge the public to be discerning and not be swayed by misinformation. Rest assured, the government will continue to address legitimate concerns through proper channels and uphold the rule of law at all times,” he added.

On Tuesday, 18 personalities who were introduced as supposed ex-Marines, with their lawyer Atty. Levito “Levy” Baligod, claimed to have delivered suitcases filled with cash worth about P805 billion that originated from kickbacks in anomalous flood control projects to various politicians. 

They linked President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., among other political figures, to the cash deliveries.

The palace, as well as other named politicians, dismissed the accusations.

''Paulit-ulit na kasinungalingan laban sa Pangulo, lousy script, hindi pang-award winning. Hindi malinis, alam mo na may kasinungalingan... so sino ba ang nasa likod nito?'' Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

(These are repetitive lies against the President, lousy script and it's not even award winning. It's not clean so you'll know that there were lies. So, who's behind this?)

''Siguro dapat malaman ninyo kung sino ba ang may-ari ng sasakyan na siyang sumundo sa kanila matapos ang press briefing o press conference nila. Paulit-ulit na kasinungalingan,'' she added. 

(Maybe you should know who owns the vehicle that fetched those alleged bagmen after their press briefing?)

The Philippine Navy said that four of the 18 were never members of the navy or the Philippine Marine Corps.

“Majority of the individuals were discharged dishonorably from the service, while others were able to retire in good standing,” Navy spokesperson Captain Marissa Martinez said.

Martinez stressed that Guteza has also been retired from service since June 2020 and is no longer under the administrative authority of the Navy.

“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 said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News