Several lawmakers on Wednesday denied the accusation that they accepted suitcases of cash as alleged by a group of former Marines, who once worked as security and logistics personnel for businessman and former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.
Rep. Julienne Baronda of Iloilo City’s lone district refuted claims that she is involved in the controversy. “I choose not to engage in falsehoods and will instead pray for truth and fairness to prevail,” she said in her statement.
Baronda emphasized that she was “never mentioned in the inquiries conducted by the House, the Senate or the ICI (Independent Commission on Infrastructure)” and had no reason to be involved in the issue.
“The only reason I can think of my name being dragged into this latest political circus is my association with a local personality who was critical of the previous administration and who is helping me navigate local politics,” she said.
“I trust the discernment and wisdom of the Ilonggo people to see matters clearly and judge based on truth,” Baronda added.
The former representatives of the Makabayan Bloc—namely France Castro (ACT Teachers), Arlene Brosas (Gabriela), and Raoul Manuel (Kabataan)—also condemned and denied what they described as “malicious” claims against them based on an unsigned statement circulating on social media.
They called it “a desperate attempt to divert attention from the serious criminal charges facing Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court and the upcoming impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.”
“Mariin naming pinabubulaanan ang mga paratang na ito (We are strongly denying these accusations),” the group said. “These are fabricated charges designed to intimidate us and to undermine the people’s quest for truth and accountability.”
The former lawmakers noted the “highly suspicious” timing of the allegation, which they believe is meant “to discredit the legitimate investigations against the Dutertes by making it appear that these are politically motivated and funded by their political opponents.”
“This is a classic Duterte playbook—when cornered by evidence of their crimes and corruption, they manufacture lies and attack their accusers,” they said in a joint statement.
