MARAWI CITY — Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Ziaur-Rahman “Zia” Alonto Adiong on Wednesday, June 11, 2026, filed formal libel and cyber libel complaints before the Marawi City Prosecutor’s Office against 18 former Marines over public allegations linking him to an alleged flood control kickback scheme.
The complaints stem from statements issued by the former military personnel, who claimed they delivered travel bags filled with cash directly to Adiong’s office as part of an ongoing kickback operation involving local government infrastructure allocations.
Adiong strongly denied the claims, categorizing them as false, malicious, and structurally damaging to his professional reputation.
Compliance Challenges at Congressional Inquiries
Speaking to reporters immediately after lodging the complaint, Adiong questioned why the former Marines had not presented their testimonies or physical evidence within established legal forums.
“Kung talagang totoo ‘yan… bakit sila takot?” Adiong said, referring to their reported refusal to testify before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.
The lawmaker noted that the group had been provided official opportunities to air their grievances before the Senate panel but declined the invitations.
“Ayaw nila, ini-snob nila,” Adiong added.
Legal Venues vs. Public Relations Stunts
Instead of cooperating with official state inquiries, Adiong stated the former Marines opted to issue unsanctioned press statements and hold media briefings designed primarily to damage the credibility of elected public officials.
The representative emphasized that the judicial system remains the proper venue to resolve criminal accusations, describing the public claims as a “PR stunt” aimed at discrediting active political figures.
Adiong added that any individual possessing verifiable evidence is free to pursue formal legal actions, stating he remains prepared to defend his record against what he termed baseline, groundless accusations.
