Senator Lacson Calls for Probe into Orchestrators Behind 'Maleta Boys' Recantations

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has called on authorities to investigate who may have orchestrated the recent recantations by four former bodyguards of Zaldy Co, whose earlier allegations implicated several high-profile politicians in a flood control fund scandal. The conflicting statements and subsequent withdrawals have added confusion to the ongoing investigation into alleged cash deliveries linked to the controversy.

The four men, who previously claimed to be part of Co’s security detail, recently told GMA News that their earlier accusations against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and other officials were false. They asserted that they had been promised financial support for two years in exchange for providing false testimony and that they did not personally prepare the affidavits containing the allegations.

In a statement issued on August 7, Lacson emphasized the need for authorities to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the chaos and confusion caused by the reversals. He questioned whether the four men were among the witnesses who had submitted sworn statements to the Office of the Ombudsman, which had triggered a preliminary investigation.

Lacson expressed frustration over the numerous contradictory statements made by the men in various forums and venues, stating that it has become difficult to discern which claims are truthful. He urged the authorities to track down those behind the reversals and ensure they face legal consequences.

Among the earlier implicated figures was Senator Erwin Tulfo, who had been accused by some of the former bodyguards of receiving two suitcases containing cash. Tulfo has consistently denied these allegations and has filed defamation complaints against several of the men and their lawyer, Levi Baligod. Following the recantations, Tulfo said he was not surprised and suggested that the witnesses might have been motivated by conscience, given the numerous complaints they faced.

Meanwhile, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla publicly accused the camp of former Speaker Romualdez of being behind the recantations, although he did not present concrete evidence to support this claim. Remulla stated that Romualdez’s lawyers, strategists, and advisers were likely involved in influencing the reversals. Romualdez, however, denied these accusations and accused the Ombudsman of prejudging him.

The conflicting statements and accusations come amid a preliminary investigation by the Ombudsman into complaints against Romualdez, Co, and other respondents concerning alleged corruption in flood control projects. The Ombudsman has ordered Romualdez and his co-respondents to submit counter-affidavits, but no criminal liability has been established at this stage.

As the investigation continues, the public remains uncertain about the veracity of the claims and the identities of those orchestrating the conflicting narratives. Authorities face the challenge of untangling these developments to ensure accountability and uphold the integrity of the inquiry.