Benny Abante files libel raps vs lawyer, 18 alleged bagmen over 'maleta' testimonies

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MANILA, Philippines — Rep. Benny Abante (Manila's 6th District) has filed libel complaints against lawyer Levi Baligod and 18 former soldiers over their testimonies alleging that the lawmaker received bags of money.

Abante filed the complaint at the Manila City Prosecutor's Office on Tuesday, June 9.

"Kung merong ebidensya bakit hindi niyo sabihin sa Ombudsman 'yan? Why do they have to go to the media? Bakit kinakailangan mong sa Senado gagawin 'yan?" Abante said in an ambush interview with reporters.

(If there is evidence, why don't you present that to the Ombudsman? Why do they have to go to the media? Why do you need to do that in the Senate?)

"The committee hearing in the Senate cannot actually pronounce them guilty. It's just an investigation," he added.

On June 4, the 18 former soldiers, who claimed they served as bagmen for fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co, alleged that Abante received cash-filled suitcases from the former lawmaker's office as part of a flood control kickback scheme.

They made the allegation during a Blue Ribbon Committee hearing led by the Senate bloc of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, a hearing that was conducted without a secretary or stenographers present.

This adds to another libel complaint previously filed against Baligod and the 18 former soldiers.

Several personalities have filed complaints before the Department of Justice over the former soldiers' statements, including former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima, Fr. Flavie Villanueva, Bureau of Corrections Director Gregorio Catapang Jr. and former National Security Adviser Eduardo Año.

On June 8, Sen. Erwin Tulfo also filed slander complaints against three of the 18 alleged bagmen at the Pasay City Prosecutor's Office.