MANILA, Philippines — National Security Adviser Eduardo Año has filed a formal complaint against former congressman Mike Defensor, lawyer Levito Baligod, and 18 individuals said to be former members of the Philippine Marines, in connection with allegations that he received money amid a controversy involving supposed cash deliveries.

In an ambush interview on Wednesday, Año said the complaint centers on alleged violations of Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code—unlawful use of means of publication or unlawful utterances—in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. The case stems from an affidavit circulated by the group, which reportedly named Año in connection with claims that he was present at a meeting and received a paper bag after discussions involving key political figures.

Año strongly denied the allegations, calling them malicious fabrications. “I have to protect my name, I have to defend my honor,” he said, emphasizing that he would not allow his reputation to be tarnished by what he described as baseless accusations. He also denied ever attending a meeting with Speaker Martin Romualdez, former Ako Bicol party-list representative Elizalde Co, and Mamamayang Liberal Representative Leila de Lima, as alleged in the affidavit.

Defensor was included among the respondents after reportedly admitting that he provided vehicles used in bringing forward the allegations—an act Año suggested contributed to the publication of what he claims are unlawful statements.

The complaint comes amid widening political tensions following the release of affidavits from the 18 former Marines, who alleged they served as “bagmen” delivering suitcases of cash to various personalities. The controversy has intensified debates over credibility, accountability, and the weaponization of affidavits in political disputes.

Beyond the immediate legal confrontation, the case raises larger questions about the intersection of free speech, digital publication, and reputational damage in the age of viral information. When allegations surface through sworn statements and online dissemination, where should the line be drawn between whistleblowing and defamation? As this high-profile dispute unfolds, one question lingers: Is the filing of criminal complaints a necessary defense against disinformation, or does it risk deepening political polarization in an already divided landscape?

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