MANILA — Sen. Raffy Tulfo challenged the credibility of 18 former aides of former lawmaker Zaldy Co, rejecting descriptions of the group as “18 marines” and “heroes” amid allegations tied to an alleged flood control kickback scheme.

During a consultative meeting of the Blue Ribbon Committee, Tulfo said the label “18 marines” was misleading and appeared intended to bolster the group’s image and credibility before the public.

“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.

Tulfo also cautioned fellow senators against portraying the former aides as heroes.

“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.

The senator likewise cast doubt on several claims made by the group, including allegations involving Fr. Flavie Villanueva. The former aides had accused the priest of receiving money through an envelope allegedly delivered near a church on Mindanao Avenue.

Tulfo also questioned their account that they received brand-new iPhone 16e units in 2024 in exchange for their silence regarding the alleged cash-delivery operation, noting that the devices were reportedly made available only in 2025.

In addition, he raised concerns over the group’s claim that some of the funds involved were converted into U.S. dollars at a 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.

Tulfo further suggested that the former aides, whom he referred to as “18 kargadors,” may have been coached in presenting their allegations.

“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.