MANILA, Philippines — Former Pampanga 3rd district representative Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. was among the officials allegedly identified as recipients of kickbacks from a supposed P805-billion flood control corruption scheme, according to an affidavit executed by 18 former Marines.
Lawyer Levito Baligod on Tuesday publicly linked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and former Bicol party-list lawmaker Elizaldy Co to the alleged scheme, claiming that suitcases filled with cash were delivered to various addresses by members of a security team composed of ex-Marines.
The 18 former military personnel surfaced earlier, corroborating the testimony of a retired master sergeant who previously told a Senate panel that they transported luggage containing cash collected from contractors and engineers supposedly tied to ghost or anomalous flood control projects.
In their sworn statement, the group claimed they acted as security escorts and porters of money, delivering cash to high-end residences in Metro Manila and to offices within the House of Representatives. They alleged that some deliveries were made during key political developments, including congressional hearings.
Baligod also named former senator Antonio Trillanes IV in connection with alleged visits to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Malacañang has maintained that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines, while Trillanes has “vehemently denied” the accusations.
As of posting time, Marcos, Romualdez, Co, and Gonzales have yet to issue statements addressing the latest allegations. DP/ IORBITNEWS TEAM