Eduardo Año Calls Allegations from 18 Ex-Marines Malicious and False
EDUARDO AÑO – The National Security Adviser has strongly denied allegations from 18 former Philippine Marines claiming that he received a “paper bag” containing money.
The claims were contained in an affidavit submitted by the ex-Marines, which accused Año of accepting the money following a meeting at the Polo Club townhouse. Año called the accusations malicious, false, and completely fabricated.
In a statement released to the media on February 26, 2026, Año categorically rejected the claims and emphasized that he has never attended any meetings with former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co and ML Party-list Representative Leila de Lima at the Polo Club townhouse or any other location. He stated clearly that he never received any money, “paper bag,” or package from any of these officials.
“To set the record straight, I have never attended any meeting with former Speaker Martin Romualdez, former Cong Zaldy Co and Cong Leila De Lima in the Polo Club townhouse or any other location in nor did I receive any paper bag or package from them,” he said.
Año stressed that he will not allow his reputation to be tarnished by false and fabricated claims. His legal team is prepared to take all necessary actions, including conducting an internal investigation, to determine whether the allegations were part of a broader scheme aimed at destabilizing government institutions. He suggested that the timing of the affidavit—coinciding with ongoing International Criminal Court (ICC) hearings, the EDSA anniversary, and a planned mass action called “One Time Big Time”—might indicate an attempt to undermine his office and the government.
He also appealed to the public to exercise caution and not be influenced by misinformation. Año assured citizens that the government will continue to address legitimate concerns through proper legal channels and uphold the rule of law at all times.
As of this writing, the camp of the 18 ex-Marines has not released any official statement, response, or reaction to Año’s denial.
Related Post: 4 of 18 Claiming to Be Zaldy Co’s Aides Are Not Marines – Philippine Navy