Baligod: Cases vs ‘maleta boys’ meant to discredit kickback allegations

MANILA — Lawyer Levito Baligod on Friday claimed that the cases filed against him and the so-called “Maleta Boys” were meant to discredit their allegations of corruption involving former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co and other government officials.

Baligod made the statement after he and four other alleged former bodyguards of Co were released from detention past 5 p.m. on Friday after posting bail of P10,000 each in an unjust vexation case.

“Offense is the best defense, kaya inunahan na nila na pinagsasampahan kami ng kaso. Para ipakita sa buong bayan siguro na nagsisinungaling lang kami,” Baligod said.

The 18 individuals claimed they were former security personnel for Co, alleging that suitcases containing money linked to kickbacks were delivered.

Their allegations have yet to be treated as established facts.

Baligod cited the group’s appearances before the Sandiganbayan, saying several members were called to testify and answered questions from the justices.

“Kung nagsisinungaling ka, hindi mo masasagot ang mga tanong nila. Pero dahil nga nagsasabi lang ng totoo ang mga ito, ay nasagot nila lahat ng mga katanungan,” he said.

He also questioned the unjust vexation complaint filed by Zambales First District Representative Jay Khonghun, who was implicated in their affidavit.

“Nabanggit ‘yung pangalan niya sa salaysay. Ang mga opisyal dapat ay hindi onion skin, hindi balat-sibuyas,” he said.

Apart from the case itself, Baligod criticized the court’s handling of their bail applications, saying additional requirements delayed the release of some of the accused.

He said court personnel repeatedly asked for barangay certificates of residency, including documents submitted in July that he claimed had been accepted by other courts.

Baligod argued that the certificates should not have been considered expired after three months and said he plans to write the Supreme Court to seek a review of the requirement.

He also said the delay effectively deprived the accused of their liberty despite the offense being bailable.

“Court exists for the litigants. E ‘yung wala pang alas-5 [ng hapon], uuwi ka na. Tapos hindi mo man lang inisip na ang nakasalalay dito ay ‘yung liberty ng mga tao ng napakagaan na offense,” he argued.

“It defeats the purpose. Between a constitutional right to bail and this administrative requirement of a barangay certificate na nakapagbigay naman kami pero luma na daw, e talagang we were deprived of our liberty,” he stressed.

Baligod said only five accused had completed the bail process by the time the judge left before 5 p.m.

The remaining accused would have to return to complete the process, he added.

He maintained that the group was willing to go through the legal process despite what he described as flaws in the system.