I’ve heard this too, regarding MN 117. Though come to think of it, I’m not sure what difference it makes in practice? I mean, the suttas are clear enough elsewhere that the things that lead to heaven/good karma are not enough for liberation (e.g., SN 35.74). I guess maybe it makes some difference in terms of how one starts their practice, maybe?
Come to think of it, this discussion reminds me of the controversy involving MN 44, discussed on this thread. Basically, there is controversy about whether the wisdom (“paññā”) part of the path is at the very beginning (i.e., right view and right intention) or at the end (after the 8 fold path, with the “right insight” and “right liberation”).