Malacañang dismissed as “garbage” the allegations made by 18 individuals who claimed to have delivered cash kickbacks to several government officials, saying their statements were inconsistent and would not stand in court.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the sworn statements executed by the alleged bagmen of former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co lacked credibility.
“Basura. Tutal sabi naman nila, sila ay naghahakot ng basura,” Castro said, referring to the group’s claim that transporting suitcases filled with cash during covert operations was commonly referred to as “taking out the trash.”
Castro also pointed out that critics had questioned why the allegations were being publicly relayed by the group’s lawyer instead of the 18 individuals themselves.
“Itong mga klase ng mga statements na ’to na pinuna rin na bakit ang abogado ang nagsasalita at hindi ’yung 18 kargador o 18 maleta boys, hindi po ito tatayo sa korte,” she said.
“’Yung ganitong klaseng mga statements na pabagu-bago, hindi po ito makakapasa sa masusing pag-aaral at pagsusuri ng korte,” she added.
According to Castro, the allegations appeared to be fabricated stories aimed at tarnishing the reputation of certain individuals.
“Dito pa lamang po ay makikita na natin kung anu-anong klase ang mga kuwento nila para makapanira lamang,” she said.
On Monday, Castro had referred to the 18 individuals as “maleta boys” and “basureros.”
Earlier, lawyer Levito Baligod said two of the supposed “ex-Marines” had withdrawn their claim that they delivered cash to Senator Loren Legarda, admitting that they did not actually see a suitcase being brought into the senator’s residence.
Baligod said the group has yet to amend the affidavit they submitted before the Office of the Ombudsman.
The 18 individuals also alleged that they delivered suitcases containing cash to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Senator Vicente Sotto III, Senator Erwin Tulfo, Representative Leila de Lima, and former Representative France Castro, among others.
Malacañang has challenged the group to present evidence to support their accusations. The other personalities named in the complaint have likewise denied the allegations.
