Rep. Garin files cyberlibel, perjury vs Baligod, 18 'bagmen' of Zaldy Co

MANILA, Philippines – Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin on Wednesday filed a cyberlibel and perjury complaint against lawyer Levi Baligod and the 18 supposedly former bodyguards of resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co after she was accused of receiving bags of cash in connection with anomalous flood-control projects.

Garin lodged the complaint with the Department of Justice (DOJ) three days after the group of former bodyguards reiterated their earlier claims in February that they served as “bagmen” for Co, delivering luggage and bags containing wads of cash to politicians and other personalities.

Speaking to reporters at the DOJ headquarters, Garin, who also serves as a deputy speaker, said that the allegations are likely meant to “cripple me or to prevent me from doing my task” as part of the leadership of the 20th Congress.

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Garin stressed that she does not know any of the supposed bodyguards or drivers of Co and that “her conscience is clear.”

“Not one bag, envelope, or suitcase was given to me or any member of my family or office by Zaldy Co,” she said in an interview with reporters.

She noted that she has yet to receive a confirmed affidavit of the bodyguards, prompting her to file a case so she would know the details, specifically as to who, when, or where they carried the alleged suitcases.

“I’m sure there was none,” she added.

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The allegations were first made during a Feb. 24 press conference at Club Filipino, where Baligod initially introduced the 18 individuals as former Marine officers who served as bagmen for Co.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines last week said that it was misleading to call them “ex-Marines” in the context of the allegations because they were no longer in service at the time of the alleged deliveries. Not all of the 18 individuals were also former Marines.  /jpv

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