Luistro, De Lima on ‘ex-Marines’ kickback claims: They are lying

MANILA, Philippines — Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro and Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima have denied receiving money from former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, saying the allegations are lies being propagated to discredit prosecutors in the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

In statements on Thursday, they described the accusations made during the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on the flood control corruption scandal as an attempt to destroy their credibility.

Luistro said the claims would not affect the preparations of the prosecution panel in the Duterte impeachment trial.

Luistro is the lead public prosecutor, while de Lima is part of the 11-member panel.

“I sternly dispute the allegations made by the supposed 18 ex-Marines. I have actually filed a libel case before this hearing. It is clear that the only intention of these statements is to destroy my credibility,” Luistro said in Filipino.

“Even so, the preparation of the 11 public prosecutors will continue for the upcoming impeachment trial,” she added.

De Lima said she had also filed complaints.

“I have already responded to these blatant lies and filed libel complaints before the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) and perjury complaints before the DOJ (Department of Justice),” de Lima said.

“I will say this again: whether they claim it is in a suitcase, a paper bag, or any container, I did not receive any money. It is also not surprising that their stories have become tangled because their statements are merely invented lies repeated in the questionable Senate hearing,” she added.

Other lawmakers involved in the prosecution team have also questioned the allegations made by the supposed former Marine officers.

READ: ‘Ex-marines’ repeat kickback claims; Sotto, Tulfo named

Prosecution panel spokesperson and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong reiterated that he did not receive any suitcases or cash from anyone.

“I believe these accusations were deliberately made to distract from our important constitutional duty — the upcoming impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte,” he added.

Adiong also said the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing led by the bloc supporting Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano reeks of “politicking.”

“The list read is nothing but a desperate attempt to create noise, silence the true voices of accountability, and divert Congress from the right track,” he said in Filipino.

“Everyone opposed is implicated, but allies are ‘excused’? We will not be intimidated. I am not afraid of liars. I will not be intimidated by baseless accusations, recycled narratives, or cheap political machinations. I will remain firm and faithful to my oath: the Constitution and the welfare of the people,” he added.

Earlier, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said the testimony of Jowly Cadiao — one of the alleged 18 former Marine officers — was false, adding that no suitcases of money were ever delivered to him at any time or place.

Ridon said no amount of lies would stop Duterte’s impeachment trial.

The claims from the 18 former Marine officers were originally made last February.

On Feb. 25, Adiong described the allegations as “complete rubbish,” noting then that the timing of the accusations was questionable as they came while key members of the Duterte family were under scrutiny.

According to the lawmaker, the Philippine Navy’s statements earlier that four of the 18 individuals were never members of the service, while the “majority” were dishonourably discharged, should speak for themselves.

READ: Adiong: Timing of 18 Marines’ claim solons got cash from Co is suspect

Other lawmakers, including de Lima, described the allegations as a mere demolition job. According to de Lima, claims that she was among those who received suitcases were “preposterous” and were made after former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Duterte were set to face complaints against them.

READ: More solons question timing of cash suitcases issue

Former President Duterte’s counsel participated in the International Criminal Court confirmation of charges hearings last February, while the younger Duterte’s impeachment hearings were set to begin in March.

Vice President Duterte was impeached by the House on May 11, with 257 lawmakers voting in favor of adopting House Resolution No. 989, which contains the Articles of Impeachment against the Vice President.

Duterte’s trial before the Senate Impeachment Court is expected to start on July 6. /mcm