Manila, Philippines – Two weeks have passed since 18 individuals who identified themselves as ex-marines officials revealed themselves in public as former bagmen for resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co.
In a press conference, the group disclosed the cash delivery scheme between Co and some government officials—alleging them of receiving kickbacks from anomalous flood control projects
Among the personalities tagged in the revelation is ML Partylist Representative Leila de Lima, with the group claiming that she received money in suitcases to be later withdrawn saying that she received cash in a paperbag.
The group further alleged seeing De Lima in meetings with some public officials and ICC personnel, accepting bribes to pursue a case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
De Lima has already denied the accusations, prompting further legal actions over the matter.
On Monday, De Lima along with Fr. Flaviano “Flavie” Villanueva filed cyberlibel complaints before the National Bureau of Investigation against the 18 ex-marines, alongside their counsel Atty. Levitto Baligod.
From there, De Lima and Fr. Villanueva went to the Department of Justice for a separate perjury case against the same individuals.
De Lima argued inconsistencies in the accusations, saying that she will not allow it to tarnish her name as they did before.
Fr. Villanueva, meanwhile, is accused of being the point person in the meeting with ICC personnel and families of the extra judicial killings victims, which he has denied since.
Aside from them, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año and former Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes have filed separate cases against the said individuals over the same accusations.
The National Bureau of Investigation also issued subpoenas against the 18 ex-marines, their lawyer, and to former Lawmaker Mike Defensor as part of the investigation on the credibility of their allegations.
Baligod, representing the ex-marines, says that their camp is ready to face the charges.
Last week, United People’s Initiative (UPI) said that the group is now into hiding over alleged threats to their security following the revelations.