Rep. Marcos on bodyguards: They charge ones who are against them

MANILA, Philippines — House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos has raised doubts on the claims made by the 18 former bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, saying that their accusations are only made against those who oppose their side.

Marcos, in an ambush interview on Wednesday, was asked about the investigations on the infrastructure corruption scandal and allegations that he also received suitcases of cash — accusations made by the 18 bodyguards.

The House official, in response, said that the 18 bodyguards only accuse people who are against them, noting that accusations against Senator Francis Escudero came out after he joined the majority bloc in the Senate.

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“Like the president said, when the cases were filed, they were not members of the minority. They were in the majority,” he said.

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“We don’t dignify the testimonies of those fake Marines. Actually, let’s call them bodyguards,” he noted.

“If you have seen yesterday, after Senator Escudero suddenly joined the majority, he was included in the list of recipients of suitcases,” the House majority leader observed.

Marcos said he would not be surprised if Mary Grace Piattos — the allegedly fictional name used to sign off acknowledgement receipts for the Office of the Vice President’s anomalous confidential expenses — will also get a suitcase.

“Maybe even Mary Grace Piattos will get a suitcase during the next hearings. So let’s call a spade a spade,” he added.

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When asked if he will file charges, Marcos said he chooses not to give more publicity to baseless allegations.

“Is it really worth it? To be honest? Why will we give them publicity?” he asked. “Let us not do that. It’s really not (important).”“You know, we’re here to finish a lot of work. That’s a lot more important than those who are planning destabilization efforts against the government. Let’s just continue working,” the lawmaker said.

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More patience

Marcos, son of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., appealed for more patience as authorities conduct an investigation of the infrastructure corruption issue, particularly the flood control mess.

During his fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona), the older Marcos delivered a speech that covered the flood control scam.

The president had asked contractors and government officials who conspired to siphon funds from projects to be ashamed of themselves.

READ: Marcos on infra woes: ‘Mahiya naman kayo!’

The younger Marcos, meanwhile, said that cases filed by the Office of the Ombudsman are moving but there is a waiting time.

“I believe the Ombudsman also said… he had an Asean event… that there are over a hundred complaints with the flood control scam. So I think we need to wait for the Ombudsman and see what his actions are,” he said.

“I think the cases are moving. But again, that’s not for me to be the judge of, and it’s not for me to make conclusions about,” he added.

Discussions on the claims of the 18 bodyguards surfaced again after Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s group held a blue ribbon committee hearing last June 4.

During the hearing, the 18 former officers testified and reiterated several of their allegations, which were contained in an affidavit released last February 25, 2026.

The former officers claimed that they used to work for Co, who was head of the House committee on appropriations during the 19th Congress.

According to the 18 individuals, they were tasked by Co to deliver suitcases allegedly filled with cash to different individuals, including several House members.

However, observers were quick to point out alleged inconsistencies and changes from the 18 individuals’ testimony last Thursday, and their original affidavit last February.

Manila Rep. Joel Chua said that the venue in which the 18 bodyguards supposedly handed the money to him changed.

READ: 2 House prosecutors question inaccuracies in ‘18 Marines’ testimony

Palawan Rep. Jose Alvarez, meanwhile, questioned his sudden inclusion in the list of those who received suitcases.

Alvarez rushed to the Senate on Thursday to confront the 18 individuals, saying that he did not receive any suitcase with cash.

When asked what might have been the reason why he was suddenly included in the list, the representative said it might be because of his refusal to endorse an impeachment complaint against President Marcos.

According to Alvarez, a certain Margarette who claimed to represent former lawmaker Mike Defensor — a supporter of the 18 Marines — texted him and sent a copy of the complaint against Marcos.

When asked if he will endorse the complaint, Alvarez said he flatly denied the request.

READ: Alvarez on 18 Marines’ claims: Payback for not backing Marcos ouster?

Several lawmakers have also filed libel and cyber libel complaints against the 18 bodyguards.

Last Thursday, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong sued the bodyguards, claiming that allegations that he received money are “false and malicious allegations.”

Before Adiong, Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. and Deputy Speaker Janette Garin also filed their own complaints.

READ: Abante files libel, cyber libel raps vs Co’s 18 ex- bodyguards, Baligod

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