MANILA — Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. filed cyberlibel charges Thursday against ex-Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, 18 ex-Marines, and their lawyer Levito Baligod, responding to claims that he participated in smuggling activities and delivered kickbacks to government officials.
The complaints were lodged with the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office, with Tiu Laurel dismissing the allegations as “pure fiction.”
“All statements in their affidavit are lies. There is no truth to any of it,” he said, rejecting Baligod’s assertion that he transported suitcases of money from illegal kickbacks.
Previously, the 18 ex-Marines claimed they had delivered billions of pesos from flood control projects to the homes of top government officials, allegedly under Co’s orders. Those named included President Marcos, former Speaker Martin Romualdez, Rep. Leila de Lima, and ex-Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV.
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