Baligod: ‘Ex-bagmen’ did not deliver to Legarda

MANILA, Philippines — The supposed former employees of Rep. Zaldy Co who earlier claimed they delivered cash-filled luggage to Sen. Loren Legarda have retracted their statement, according to their lawyer Levito Baligod.

Baligod said on Monday that the “ex-bagmen” admitted they made a mistake in their claim that Legarda received two cash-filled suitcases from Co.

Instead, the two bagmen brought the luggage outside the gate of Legarda’s supposed residence, where Co arrived, but they did not see the bags enter the property.

Although they left without seeing where the money was taken, the bagmen were reportedly told that the bags had simply been transferred to another vehicle.

READ: Gatchalian on Senate row: I will talk to everyone

He clarified that two of the individuals did not actually bring the luggage inside the senator’s residence, as previously alleged.

However, no corrected affidavit has yet been submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman.

The lawyer also said that Legarda may file a perjury case against the two supposed bagmen.

Sen. Mark Villar was also accused of receiving money from Co. Unlike the allegations involving Legarda, however, Baligod said the claims against Villar remain unchanged.

Citing the testimony, Baligod said luggage allegedly filled with money was brought into Villar’s residence, although the senator himself was not seen. /dp/mcm