By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Iloilo Representative Janette Garin on Wednesday filed criminal complaints for cyberlibel and perjury against lawyer Levi Baligod and 18 individuals who previously claimed to have delivered cash-filled bags on behalf of former Ako Bicol Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co.
The complaints were formally lodged before the Department of Justice (DOJ), marking Garin’s latest move to challenge allegations linking her to an alleged cash distribution scheme tied to controversial flood-control projects.
Speaking to reporters after filing the case, Garin strongly denied the accusations and maintained that neither she nor any member of her family or congressional office had ever received money, bags, or suitcases from Co.
“Not a single bag, envelope, or suitcase was ever delivered to me, my family, or anyone from my office by Zaldy Co,” Garin said.
The deputy speaker of the House of Representatives suggested that the allegations may have been intended to undermine her position within the leadership of the 20th Congress and impede her work in the chamber.
Garin said she has no personal knowledge of the individuals who identified themselves as former bodyguards or drivers of Co and questioned the credibility of their claims.
According to the lawmaker, she has yet to obtain verified copies of the affidavits allegedly executed by the complainants, prompting her to seek legal remedies to compel disclosure of specific details regarding the accusations.
“I want to know exactly who supposedly delivered these bags, when the alleged deliveries happened, and where they took place,” she said, adding that she is confident no such incidents ever occurred.
The allegations originated from a press conference held on February 24 at Club Filipino, where Baligod presented 18 individuals who claimed they had served as couriers or “bagmen” for Co, allegedly transporting luggage and bags containing cash to politicians and other personalities.
The accusations resurfaced earlier this month when the group reiterated its assertions before the media.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recently clarified that it was inaccurate to describe the individuals as “former Marines” in the context of the allegations. The military noted that those involved were no longer in active service at the time of the alleged incidents and that not all of the 18 individuals had previously served with the Philippine Marine Corps.
The filing of the cyberlibel and perjury complaints is expected to trigger a DOJ review of the allegations and counterclaims as both sides prepare to present evidence supporting their respective positions.
ia/xf
