By Lane Afable, News Editor
Sen. Raffy Tulfo questioned the credibility of 18 former aides of former lawmaker Zaldy Co, whom he branded as “18 kargadors,” as he also criticized labels referring to them as “18 marines” and “heroes.”
During the consultative meeting of the Blue Ribbon Committee on June 8, Sen. Raffy said the group is being portrayed as heroes and former marines by individuals seeking to make them appear credible while making baseless allegations.
“Simulang simula pa lang na tinawag silang 18 marines, may panli-linlang na agad. Yung bansag na 18 marines ay isang paraan upang pabanguhin sila sa publiko. ‘Matik po kasi ‘yan pag sinabing marines aba iba po ang respeto ng mga tao. Pero hindi naman po silang lahat ay dating marines. At mahigit kalahati sa kanila ay discharged without honors or dishonorably discharged from service for various offenses,” he said.
“I would like to remind my colleagues here in the Senate to please be very careful in calling out some people as bayani. Putting them on a pedestal. Dahil hindi naman talaga totoo because that will be a reflection of you.
“Tatawagin mo ang mga taong umamin naman na nag-deliver ng mga kickback sa kung sino-sinong poncio pilato. So therefore, matatawag silang sindikato. So kung tatawagin mong bayani ang isang sindikato, sindikato ka rin,” he added.
Tulfo further questioned the credibility of their testimony, including their claims against Fr. Flavie Villanueva, who was accused of receiving money through an envelope allegedly delivered near a church on Mindanao Avenue, as well as their alleged receipt of brand-new iPhone 16e units in 2024 apparently made available only in 2025, which were reportedly given in exchange for their silence on the alleged flood control cash-delivery scheme.
The senator from Isabela and Davao also cast doubt on the 18 aides’ claim that some of the funds involved in the issue were exchanged for U.S. dollars at a local money changer in Makati near Pearlbank Center.
“Aking pinasilip ang lugar na iyon sa Makati at tila walang record ng Money Changer sa Pearlbank Building. Dapat makumpirma ito,” he said.
Ultimately, Tulfo said that it appears some of the information from the “18 kargadors” is being fed to them, as they have difficulty telling their story on their own.
“Kung papanoorin mo ang live selling nila noong Huwebes, hirap sila ikwento ang kanilang naratibo. The presiding officers of that conference were coaching and leading their “resourceful” persons,” he said.
