Metro Manila, Philippines – Former Rep. Mike Defensor allegedly paid ₱5 million to each of the 18 ex-marines involved in the flood control scandal to testify about the scheme, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag said in a press conference on Thursday, June 4.
Matibag said the agency reopened its investigation on the former soldiers and the flood control scandal after it secured testimony from a person who exposed Defensor’s alleged involvement.
The group of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano has banked on the testimony of the former marines in a hearing on the flood control scandal, an event that was not recognized by the new Senate majority.
READ: Amid Senate leadership dispute, flood control probe proceeds with 18 ex-marine witnesses
“Mayroong isang indibidwal na nagbigay ng statement nung April 28 tsaka May 6 na meron siyang alegasyon na yung isa doon sa 18 marines, may relasyon sila, may relationship sila at napag usapan nila,” Matibag told the media.
“Alam niya yung nangyayari sa 18 marines na ‘to at may allegation na may binayad. At pinangalanan si dating congressman Mike Defensor na siya yung nag offer ng halaga ng ₱5 million para maging testigo nga, lumabas pag press conference.”
[Translation: There is a person who gave us statements on April 28 and May 6 who alleged that he had ties to one of the 18 marines and they talked about the situation. He knows what happened with the 18 marines and there were allegations they were paid. Former congressman Mike Defensor was named, he offered ₱5 million to testify and appear at press conferences.]
The NBI chief said the agency got the signed statements of the witness. He added that subpoenas were issued on June 2 to investigate both the former lawmaker, the ex-marines, and the alleged transactions.
Credible witness
Asked if the witness was credible, Matibag said: “Yung anak ng 18 marines ay kanyang ka-partner. Mayroon silang anak. May apo bale yung isa doon sa 18 marines dito sa tao na ‘to.”
“Magkakasama sila sa bahay kaya medyo may credibility yung testimonya nito,” he added.
[Translation: One of the children of the 18 marines is their partner. They have a child. One of the 18 marines has a grandchild from this person…They stay in the same house so their testimony has some credibility.]
Matibag said the details provided by the witness were in line with the findings of their investigation and monitoring.
