The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it has received information alleging that former congressman Mike Defensor offered ₱5 million each to the so-called “18 ex-Marines” in exchange for their testimony in the ongoing flood control anomalies investigation.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag that the claim came from a relative of one of the 18 individuals, who executed a sworn statement detailing the alleged offer.
“Former congressman Mike Defensor was named as the one who offered the amount, P5 million, to be a witness and come out and hold a press conference,” Matibag said in a briefing.
He added that the statement was duly signed, recorded, and is now in the possession of the bureau.
According to Matibag, the NBI has already issued subpoenas to both Defensor and the alleged Marine, requiring them to appear before the NBI headquarters in Pasay City on June 10 at 10 a.m. to clarify the matter.
The affidavit reportedly stated that the alleged payment scheme involved an initial amount of around ₱700,000, with the balance to be released in tranches.
Matibag also said the complainant is a relative of one of the 18 alleged former Marines through a family relationship involving a live-in partner, adding that the testimony contains specific details now being validated by investigators.
The NBI has released copies of the sworn statement dated April 18 and a supplemental affidavit dated May 6.
Defensor has dismissed the allegations as “nonsense,” saying these are meant to discredit the “18 ex-Marines” who have been testifying in the Senate flood control inquiry.
He also questioned the NBI’s focus on the issue, urging the agency to prioritize investigating major corruption cases and demanding stronger evidence such as CCTV footage and transaction records.
Defensor said he has yet to receive the subpoena but signaled willingness to attend if required.
The “18 ex-Marines” are currently appearing before the Senate blue ribbon committee as part of its investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
