Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. filed cyber libel complaints against resigned Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co and lawyer Levi Baligod, counsel for the alleged “18 ex-Marines,” at the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday, March 19.

According to a report by RH Jecelle Ricafort, the separate complaints stemmed from allegations linking Laurel to the delivery of “male-maletang basura” or money in suitcases to certain personalities.

Laurel denied the claims, describing them as entirely false, including the contents of affidavits submitted by the former soldiers. He said the allegations have gone too far, prompting him to take legal action.

The Agriculture secretary also dismissed the former Marines’ claim that they allegedly collected money weekly from his Forbes Park residence, noting that he no longer lived there since 2018, making such allegations impossible.

Laurel reiterated that he does not know the individuals claiming to be former soldiers and urged them to tell the truth and not allow themselves to be used by anyone behind the allegations.

He also suggested a possible motive, pointing out that he is part of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.’s cabinet.