18 ‘bagmen’ face libel raps anew

MANILA, Philippines — After being accused of receiving suitcases filled with “dirty money,” Manila Rep. Benny Abante Jr. has filed cyberlibel and libel charges against 18 men and their lawyer Levito Baligod.

“I vehemently deny the incorrect, baseless and misleading allegations made (during a Feb. 24 press conference),” Abante said in his complaint-affidavit filed before the Department of Justice.

The 18 men have been criticized for their flip-flopping claims that lawmakers received kickbacks from anomalous flood control projects.

Abante argued that the respondents publicized their accusations before authorities could evaluate the same, resulting in a trial by publicity.

“To make matters worse, the press conference paraded the libelous salaysay (affidavit) – then still unsigned by the 18 respondents and unnotarized, thus not under oath – before the public eye,” Abante said.

“I have never dealt with or ever seen any of the 18 (men). I have no dealings with regard to deliveries of money from former congressman Zaldy Co,” he added.

Abante said the allegations lack specific dates “or circumstance of the claimed delivery and receipt, while photographs show only cash, luggage and strangers, establishing nothing.”

“Coupled with their groundless tale, this amounts to nothing more than smoke and mirrors slander,” Abante said.

Inconsistencies remain in the unsigned document and the notarized affidavit submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman as well as Baligod’s statement implicating Rep. Leila de Lima, Abante noted.

These developments demonstrate “a reckless disregard for truth” and reveal that the accusations were “patently unreliable and contrived,” the complaint stated.

Prosecutors should find probable cause and file charges against the respondents, Abante said.