MANILA, Philippines -- Marine Chief Major General Benjamin Dolorfino expressed confidence that the anti-narcotics agent, a Marine, involved in a controversial drug case, would not lie before the House of Representatives that was investigating the issue.

Major Ferdinand Marcelino, who is detailed with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, led the buy-bust operation which resulted in the arrest last December 2008 of Richard Brodett, Jorge Joseph, and Joseph Tecson, who were reported to be from prominent families.

Despite not knowing Marcelino personally, Dolorfino said that he would vouch for the official’s integrity.

“Being a Marine officer, I believe that [Marcelino] is always guided and motivated by our value, our Marine value so I expect him to be a true Marine and give his best in any job that he might be involved in… I vouch for his integrity,” Dolorfino said.

Marcelino, head of the PDEA Special Enforcement Service, is a key witness in the House investigation after disclosing that there was an alleged bribery attempt on them and on justice officials by people close to the suspects.

Marcelino also claimed that he received a P20 million bribe offer through text message which he said was later raised to P50 million.