Lacson to ‘ex-Marines’: Don’t talk numbers if you can’t compute the truth

Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon Committee chair Panfilo Lacson on Saturday said individuals should avoid citing numbers they cannot defend with reasonable probabilities.

He warned that such claims would fail the test of believability, citing as an example the allegation by 18 supposed “former Marines” of a P805-billion cash delivery scheme.

“The tale of P805B ‘maletas’: If you do not know how to compute the truth, don’t talk about numbers to quantify probabilities, or face the consequence of failing the test of believability,” Lacson said in a statement.

“I am not alone in doubting the credibility of the statements attributed to the 18 ‘ex-Marine’ personnel, since many have shared my computation,” he added.

The tale of P805B ‘maletas’: If you do not know how to compute the truth, don’t talk about numbers to quantify probabilities, or face the consequence of failing the test of believability.

— PING LACSON (@iampinglacson) March 7, 2026

Lacson earlier raised questions of “logic and mathematics” regarding allegations by supposed former members of the Philippine Marine Corps, who claimed they delivered suitcases of cash as kickbacks linked to alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

He pointed out that moving P805 billion in paper cash—estimated to weigh around 805 metric tons—would pose a “logistical nightmare,” citing the time required to unload, count, repack, reload, and transport the money.

According to the senator, completing such a task would take until at least 2027 even if those involved worked around the clock.

Responding to proposals to invite the alleged former Marines to a hearing, Lacson said the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is meant to uncover the truth, not simply expose false claims.

“Maybe, but maybe not. The BRC hearings are intended to expose the truth, not lies. If they adjust the numbers within the realm of possibilities, why not?” he said.

Lacson said he was “duty-bound” to verify the credibility of both the source and the information before calling a hearing, stressing that he does not want the committee’s proceedings to turn into a “circus” or a “joyride.”

The Senate leader also expressed willingness to meet with lawyer Levito Baligod, counsel for the alleged former Marines, to reconcile their testimony with what he described as the “realm of possibilities.”

“For truth’s sake, without sacrificing the dignity and integrity of the Blue Ribbon Committee inquiry, I am willing to speak to Atty. Levito Baligod to reconcile the joint testimony of his 18 clients with the realm of possibilities,” Lacson said.

Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation has issued subpoenas to former congressman Mike Defensor, Baligod, and the 18 alleged former Marines following claims that they delivered cash to several personalities as instructed by former Zaldy Co, who previously represented the Ako Bikol party-list.—MCG, GMA Integrated News