MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said allegations of cash deliveries linked to the alleged flood control controversy remain unsubstantiated due to the absence of independent evidence, corroborating documents, and witnesses with personal knowledge.

During the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s consultative meeting, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the joint affidavit submitted by a group of former bodyguards of fugitive lawmaker Zaldy Co was insufficient to establish probable cause, noting that most claims were not based on firsthand observation.

“Walang dokumento, device o physical evidence na sumusuporta sa mga alegasyon. Halimbawa, walang CCTV footage, resibo o cellphone records. Wala po. Ang ebidensya ay puro salita lamang,” Matibag said.

Matibag said the NBI had given the group sufficient time to submit supporting material evidence, including testimonial and physical proof, but none were presented.

He also said several statements indicated that witnesses did not directly see the contents of bags allegedly used in the reported cash deliveries.

“Ang laman ng bag ay kadalasang hinuhulaan lang, hindi actual na nakita,” he said.

According to the NBI’s evaluation, only 10 to 20 percent of the statements were based on personal knowledge, while the majority were derived from accounts allegedly heard from other members of the group, executive assistants, or group chats.

Matibag said this significantly weakened the probative value of the affidavits, especially since they were not subjected to cross-examination.

He also raised concerns over the use of the “ex-Marine” label, saying the bureau found that not all members of the group were former Marines and that some had been dishonorably discharged.

“Sa korte, ebidensya ang mahalaga, hindi ang label o titulo,” he said.

The NBI chief further said the submitted affidavit appeared to show signs of coordinated testimony, rather than independent recollections from each witness.

He said such coordination does not automatically establish credibility, particularly when it is unclear where personal knowledge ends and shared narrative begins.

“In the totality, hindi napatunayan ang mga alegasyon base sa ebidensyang iniharap,” Matibag said.

Sen. Erwin Tulfo, chairperson of the Blue Ribbon Committee, said the 18 former bodyguards and their lawyer, Levito Baligod, were invited to attend Monday’s consultative meeting but did not appear before the panel.

Tulfo said the group was reportedly inside the Senate building at the office of Sen. Robinhood Padilla but declined to join the proceedings.

He said the committee would extend another invitation once it is fully constituted and proceeds with formal hearings. (PNA)