Former Marines Reaffirm Cash Delivery Claims to Ex-Lawmaker Stella Quimbo's Residence
In a recent television interview, two former Marines have strongly reaffirmed their previous statements regarding the delivery of suitcases filled with money to the home of former Marikina City 2nd District Representative Stella Quimbo. This revelation has sparked significant attention and controversy within political circles.
Detailed Testimony on "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho"
During an appearance on the popular program "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," Belnard Tube and Benny Bulontate provided explicit confirmation of the contents detailed in their sworn affidavit. They asserted that they personally transported money to Quimbo's residence, with Bulontate directly identifying the location when shown a photograph of the house in question.
Tube confirmed without hesitation, "Yes, it's her house," though specific location details were not broadcasted. The former Marines are part of a larger group of eighteen self-identified ex-soldiers who have made similar claims about delivering funds to Quimbo's property.
Substantial Financial Allegations Presented
To support their serious allegations, the group presented photographic evidence showing eight large suitcases and one smaller suitcase allegedly delivered to the residence. According to their testimony, each large suitcase contained an estimated ₱50 million to ₱70 million, while the smaller suitcase held approximately ₱15 million to ₱25 million.
These claims gain additional context from Quimbo's former political roles. She served as a member of the bicameral conference committee and held the position of vice chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations during critical deliberations on the 2025 national budget. She later assumed the chairperson role following the resignation of Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co.
Broader Allegations and Political Response
The former Marines' allegations extend beyond Quimbo alone. They claim to have delivered money to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and numerous other government officials, with total deliveries allegedly reaching approximately ₱805 billion across various recipients.
In response to these explosive claims, Davao City First District Rep. Paolo "Pulong" Duterte has publicly expressed his support for the former Marines. "To the 18 Marines — saludo ako sa inyo. It takes courage to speak against powerful politicians. Dili lalim mosukol sa Sistema," Duterte stated, translating to "I salute you" and acknowledging the difficulty of standing against the system.
Legal Proceedings and Official Reactions
Rep. Duterte emphasized that these allegations constitute sworn testimony rather than mere gossip or unsubstantiated claims from online sources. He noted that responses from implicated politicians have largely involved silence, denial, and the removal of related manifestations from House of Representatives records.
The legal process has already begun moving forward. On February 28, Levi Baligod, the legal representative for the eighteen former Marines, formally submitted their affidavit to the Office of the Ombudsman. This document contains detailed allegations against multiple lawmakers and government officials who are accused of receiving illicit funds, marking a significant development in what could become a major corruption investigation.
