Source, info on ex-Marines’ cash delivery claims need validation — Lacson

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Saturday stressed the need to validate both the credibility of the source and the reliability of the information surrounding allegations that former members of the Philippine Marine Corps delivered suitcases “filled with cash” to several individuals.

In a statement, Lacson said the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s probe into the alleged cash delivery scheme involving former military personnel would be evidence-driven.

“As chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, I have not changed my position about being led by evidence and guided only by a prudent and logical approach in treating any information that comes to my attention — to evaluate and validate the credibility and reliability of both the source and the information itself before taking action,” he said.

Lacson issued the statement in reaction to a pronouncement by Iglesia Ni Cristo  spokesperson Edwil Zabala, renewing the call for accountability in the flood control corruption scandal.

Zabala referred to the statements of 18 former military personnel who were presented at a press conference last Feb. 24, which, he said, may have proven a cash delivery scheme involving ranking officials.

Lacson clarified that although he continues to hold the INC in high regard and is “forever grateful” for the religious group’s support of his senatorial bids in 2001, 2007 and 2016, he maintains a different position on the issue.

“I have nothing but respect for the INC and will forever be grateful for the times they supported me, particularly in three of the six election campaigns I joined, four of which I won,” Lacson said.

“Let me emphasize that having a different opinion does not imply disrespect,” he added.

Lacson earlier flagged at least two aspects of the ex-Marines’ claims that he said require further scrutiny: the alleged P805 billion delivered in cash and the timing of the supposed exposé.

He said the amount appears mathematically irreconcilable with kickbacks supposedly facilitated and received by other personalities.

The senator also doubted the timing of the press conference—held on the eve of the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution and amid hearings at the International Criminal Court in connection with the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

Lacson earlier said he had initiated preliminary checks even before Senator Imee Marcos filed a resolution seeking a formal inquiry.

“We will first evaluate the source of the information, which in this case are the 18 alleged former Marine personnel who appeared at a press conference last Tuesday," he said.

"Second is the reliability or credibility of the information itself—meaning the content of their affidavit,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

On Tuesday, 18 ex-Marines accused several individuals of allegedly receiving cash from former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.

They also claimed that Co and former senator Antonio Trillanes IV funded the hotel accommodations of ICC investigators who visited the country.

The group further alleged that they delivered cash to the residence of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Ilocos Norte.

Malacañang andf various personalities implicated in the alleged payoffs have denied the ex-Marines' allegations—MCG, GMA Integrated News