Palawan Representative Jose Alvarez has publicly denied allegations that he received money from former Ako Bicol Representative Elizaldy Co, which were brought forward by 18 former Marine officers. Alvarez suggested that his inclusion in the allegations may be retaliation for his refusal to endorse an impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He stated that he did not receive any funds and questioned the motives behind the accusations, especially given their timing coinciding with political tensions surrounding the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Several lawmakers have come to Alvarez's defense, arguing that the allegations are unfounded and aimed at undermining the impeachment process. Former Surigao Representative Robert Ace Barbers and others have characterized the claims as a distraction from the impeachment hearings against Duterte. Alvarez reiterated that he has no financial ties to Co and criticized the credibility of the former Marine officers involved in the allegations, some of whom have been reportedly dishonorably discharged from service. The political landscape remains tense as the impeachment trial against Duterte is set to commence soon.