Garin latest to sue Zaldy Co’s 18 ‘bagmen’ over kickback claims
Deputy Speaker and Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin —PHOTO FROM HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FB PAGE
MANILA, Philippines — Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin on Wednesday became the latest public official to file cyberlibel charges against lawyer Levito Baligod and the 18 confessed former “bagmen” of resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co over allegations linking her to supposed flood control kickbacks.
Garin lodged cyberlibel and perjury complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ), three days after the group reiterated claims that they had delivered bags and suitcases of cash on behalf of Co to politicians and other personalities.
Speaking to reporters, Garin said the accusations appeared intended to “cripple me or prevent me from doing my task” as a member of the House leadership. Garin is a deputy speaker.
“Not one bag, envelope, or suitcase was given to me or any member of my family or office by Zaldy Co,” she said.
READ: Senate threat may involve Co’s ex-bagmen; report under validation – Gatchalian
Garin said she did not know any of the alleged bodyguards or drivers and maintained that her “conscience is clear.”
Growing list
Her complaint adds to a growing list of legal actions filed against Baligod and the 18 men, who first surfaced during a press conference at Club Filipino on Feb. 24, claiming they were ex-Marines and had served as Co’s bagmen in delivering cash allegedly sourced from anomalous flood control projects.
At least eight public figures have now filed cyberlibel or related complaints against the group.
On June 4, Iloilo City Rep. Julienne Baronda filed cyberlibel and perjury complaints after she was identified in the group’s affidavit as a supposed recipient of luggage containing cash.
Aside from Baligod, the other respondents in the complaints are Bernard Tube, Rosebert Waupan, Benny Bulontate, Johnny Buduan, Rodante Orbillo, Reyneboy Julian, Christopher Esquivel, George Villalon Jr., Romeo Rommel Bobares, Gil Navidad Jr., Anselmo Taberdo, Jowly Cadiao, Rommel Galapon, Cecilio Larroder Jr., Bernard Gumban, Crisaniel Dado, Fidel Corpu, and Walter Manalansan.
READ: 18 ‘ex-Marines’ at Senate to visit Padilla, not to attend BRC
On June 9, Manila Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. filed libel and cyberlibel complaints, describing the allegations against him as “incorrect, baseless and misleading.”
On March 24, former Sen. Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV filed cyberlibel complaints over claims that he received $2 million from Co to bribe investigators of the International Criminal Court.
Also in March, Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima, Fr. Flaviano “Flavie” Villanueva, Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., and former National Security Adviser Eduardo Año likewise filed complaints against the group, Baligod and former congressman Mike Defensor.
Senate hearing
The controversy resurfaced last week when Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and his allies in the new minority convened the previous Senate blue ribbon committee and proceeded with a hearing where the 18 men repeated many of the allegations contained in an affidavit released in February.
Several lawmakers have since challenged the group’s claims.
Manila Rep. Joel Chua pointed to inconsistencies between the affidavit and the witnesses’ recent testimony, while former Palawan Rep. Jose Alvarez personally confronted the group at the Senate, denying that he had ever received cash-filled suitcases.
When asked why he was suddenly included in the list, Alvarez said it might be because of his refusal to endorse an impeachment complaint against President Marcos.
According to Alvarez, a certain Margarette, who claimed to represent Defensor, texted him and sent a copy of the complaint against Marcos. /cb
