National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag said to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that ex-congressman Mike Defensor allegedly bribed 18 former Marines [1].
The testimony suggests an attempt to manipulate a high-profile investigation into a flood-control scandal. If proven, the recruitment of witnesses to provide false testimony would undermine the integrity of the legislative probe.
Matibag said the NBI received a tip that Defensor promised P5 million [1] to each of the 18 former Marines [1]. According to the NBI Director, these individuals were intended to act as “bagmen” in the ongoing Senate investigation [1].
"We have received information that ex‑congressman Mike Defensor bribed the ‘18 ex‑Marines’ P5 million each to supposedly testify as ‘bagmen’ for former congressman Elizaldy Co," Matibag said [1].
The alleged payments were tied to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee's efforts to uncover corruption within flood-control projects. The NBI's findings suggest that the recruits were meant to provide testimony linking former congressman Elizaldy Co to the scandal [1].
This development comes as the Senate continues to examine the movement of public funds and the role of intermediaries in government contracting. The investigation focuses on whether officials used third parties to facilitate illicit payments during the implementation of flood-control infrastructure.
Defensor's camp has responded to the NBI's actions. Reports indicate the camp is considering legal action against Matibag if the NBI continues to issue subpoenas [2].
“"We have received information that ex‑congressman Mike Defensor bribed the ‘18 ex‑Marines’ P5 million each"”
The allegation that a former lawmaker attempted to pay 18 former military personnel to act as witnesses indicates a high-stakes effort to steer the narrative of a government corruption probe. By targeting former Marines, the alleged plot sought to add a layer of perceived credibility to the testimony. This case highlights the tension between the NBI's investigative powers and the political influence of former officials in the Philippines.
