Ched Rick Gatchalian

Former Anakalusugan party-list representative Mike Defensor

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Palace hits back at Defensor anew, tells ‘ex-Marines’: Sana bilang Pilipino, huwag na lamang po silang magpagamit

Harlene Delgado

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Malacañang on Friday said it believes those behind the individuals claiming to be former Marines and accusing ranking officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr of receiving kickbacks, are the same people who want him out of office.Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the statement in response to a question about Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson&#x27;s view that the fresh allegations may be part of an attempt to destabilize government. “Sino ba ang mga taong nasa likod nito, sila rin naman ang mga taong nais na pabagsakin ang gobyernong ito at patalsikin ang Pangulo sa puwesto at iluklok ang kanilang ‘poon’,”she said in a press briefing Friday, February 27.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/26/lawyer-refers-affidavit-of-ex-marines-vs-lawmakers-gov-t-officials-to-ombudsman-1349">Lawyer refers affidavit of &#x27;ex-Marines&#x27; vs lawmakers, gov&#x27;t officials to Ombudsman</a></div>She also lambasted former congressman Mike Defensor, whom she earlier referred to as “the known wonder boy” and “Ador Mawanay 2.0”, referring to a supposed whistleblower against Lacson who eventually retracted his allegations against the former national police chief.“So, malamang sinasabi rin po ito ni Senator Lacson dahil nabiktima na po siya ng mga paninira noon at sangkot din sa nasabing usapin ang isang secretary ng &#x27;Dirty Tricks Department&#x27; noon na si Mike Defensor—ah, what I mean is [Environment] Secretary pala siya dati,” she noted.The Palace official further quoted former NEDA Secretary Winnie Monsod, who said “Defensor has a history of either influencing witnesses or training witnesses, or making witnesses disappear.”When asked if she believes that the supposed Marines have been ‘used’ for political interests, Castro said she does but does not know what the men expect to gain. “Kung anong nais nila, hindi po natin batid pero ang mga nasa likod nito, alam naman natin kung anong gusto nila”.“At, sana bilang Pilipino, huwag na lamang po silang magpagamit at makakasira po ito para sa ating bansa at para sa maganda sanang pagsulong ng ating bansa,” she said.<div> </div><div>&#x27;SANA INAYOS MUNA ANG SCRIPT&#x27;</div><div> </div>Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año on Thursday rejected the allegations of the supposed former Marines, describing their accusations as inconsistent and drawn from a poorly written script.In an interview on the sidelines of the second founding anniversary of the Philippine Coast Guard - West Philippine Sea Transparency Group (PCG-WPSTG) in Manila, Año raised questions about the timing of the press conference and of the claims made against several government officials.“Sa aking part, hindi ko alam kung matatawa ako o maaawa doon sa mga nagsalita,” he added.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/25/ph-navy-4-of-18-presented-as-bagmen-were-never-marines-0910">PH Navy: 4 of 18 presented as ‘bagmen’ were never Marines</a></div>Año clarified that his name was not mentioned during the press conference itself and only appeared in an unsigned affidavit that he later saw.He categorically denied claims that he had met with former lawmaker Zaldy Co, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez or Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima.Año explained that his only professional interaction with de Lima occurred years ago, when she was still justice secretary to then President Benigno Aquino III.“May mga joint activities na ang iba’t ibang department. After nun, hindi na kami nagkita,” the former military chief said.Año also strongly denied claims that he received money, calling the allegation “very preposterous.”He added: “That’s not within my professional or ethical attitude.”Año said his legal team is fully prepared to take action against those responsible for spreading what he described as malicious accusations.He also called for a thorough investigation to determine the intent behind the claims.“There is something poking up here. Well, probably, because they would want to undermine or destabilize some government institutions. Pag tinignan mo dun—Senate, Congress, Office of the President, some other departments, and the NSC,” Año said.The official assured the public that the government would continue to address issues through legal channels while remaining focused on delivering services and safeguarding national security.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro also lambasted former congressman Mike Defensor, whom she earlier referred to as “the known wonder boy” and “Ador Mawanay 2.0”.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro also lambasted former congressman Mike Defensor, whom she earlier referred to as “the known wonder boy” and “Ador Mawanay 2.0”.

Palace says people behind 'ex-Marines' working to remove Marcos Jr. from office

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Palace says people behind 'ex-Marines' working to remove Marcos Jr. from office

Harlene Delgado,

Bianca Dava,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 27, 2026 03:23 PM PHT

Read More:

Claire Castro

Marines

Mike Defensor

National Security Adviser

Eduardo Año

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