Bodyguards' Absence at Senate Hearing Raises Doubts on Allegations
Ridon says 18 bodyguards’ skipping hearing puts claims in question
Image: Inquirer
The absence of 18 bodyguards of former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co at a Senate hearing has led to skepticism regarding their allegations against lawmakers. Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon stated that their refusal to testify undermines their credibility, as they previously made serious claims about delivering cash to lawmakers.
- 01The 18 bodyguards, referred to as the 'Maleta Boys,' skipped a Senate hearing, raising questions about the truth of their allegations.
- 02Ridon emphasized that if their claims were genuine, they would have willingly testified under oath.
- 03The bodyguards previously alleged they delivered cash-filled suitcases to various lawmakers, but inconsistencies in their testimonies have emerged.
- 04Some lawmakers, including Palawan Rep. Jose Alvarez, have denied receiving any cash and suggested political motivations behind the allegations.
- 05The Office of the Ombudsman and the National Bureau of Investigation require individual affidavits from the bodyguards to proceed with their investigations.
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The decision of the 18 bodyguards of former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co to skip a Senate blue ribbon committee hearing has raised significant doubts about their allegations against several lawmakers. Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon criticized their absence, asserting that if their claims were truthful, they would have appeared to testify under oath. The bodyguards, known as the 'Maleta Boys,' had previously claimed they delivered suitcases filled with cash to various House members. However, inconsistencies in their testimonies have surfaced, leading to skepticism regarding their credibility. Lawmakers such as Palawan Rep. Jose Alvarez have denied the allegations, suggesting they may be politically motivated. Meanwhile, the Office of the Ombudsman and the National Bureau of Investigation have indicated that they require individual affidavits from the bodyguards to further investigate the claims. The House prosecution panel remains focused on the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, undeterred by what they describe as distractions from fabricated allegations.
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The refusal of the bodyguards to testify may impact the credibility of the allegations against lawmakers and the ongoing impeachment trial.
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