Ex-Bodyguard Alleges P20M to P25M Bribe Offer to Recant Statements Against Marcos, Romualdez, and Others

One of the 18 former bodyguards involved in a high-profile corruption investigation claimed on Friday that they were offered between P20 million and P25 million to withdraw their statements implicating President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., former Speaker and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez, former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co, and other figures. The allegation adds a new dimension to the ongoing probe into alleged cash deliveries linked to flood control projects.

George Villanon Jr., one of the former bodyguards, publicly condemned four of his colleagues who have recanted their testimonies. Speaking to reporters after posting bail in a Las Piñas court, Villanon expressed disappointment that some of his fellow retired Marines had accepted money to reverse their accounts. He urged them to reconsider the consequences of their actions, emphasizing the betrayal involved in accepting bribes.

When pressed about the amount offered to those who recanted, Villanon specified that the bribe ranged from P20 million to P25 million. He also clarified that not all former bodyguards intended to retract their statements, asserting that some remain steadfast in their original claims.

In a separate interview, lawyer Levito Baligod, who represents the group, revealed that efforts to persuade the former bodyguards to recant have been ongoing for several months. Initially, offers of P5 million were made, which later increased to P10 million, according to Baligod. However, he did not disclose the identities of those making the offers.

Baligod also shared that they plan to hold a press conference on Saturday to provide further details and present text messages from those who recanted, including apologies for succumbing to temptation. He explained that some of the former bodyguards switched sides due to personal reasons, including concerns for their safety and the financial burden of traveling to Manila for preliminary investigations.

The controversy traces back to February 2026, when a group of 18 men identifying themselves as former security personnel of Zaldy Co, some of whom were ex-Marines, publicly came forward with affidavits alleging they had delivered suitcases filled with cash to various officials. Eight of these men signed affidavits submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman. Since then, three of the eight have retracted their statements, while another individual who recanted was not among those who filed affidavits with the Ombudsman.

The case remains under investigation, with the Office of the Ombudsman awaiting signed affidavits to proceed further. The alleged bribery attempts to silence witnesses highlight the challenges faced in pursuing accountability in this complex corruption probe. Further developments are expected following the upcoming press conference by Baligod and the former bodyguards.