Several lawmakers named during a Senate hearing on Thursday strongly denied allegations that they received suitcases filled with cash, rejecting claims made by individuals identifying themselves as former members of the Philippine Marines.
The allegations surfaced during a hearing conducted by the group of Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano and Sen. Rodante Marcoleta. The resource persons claimed that certain members of the House of Representatives had allegedly received money contained in suitcases.
Manila Third District Rep. Joel Chua firmly denied the accusation and said the lawmakers named during the hearing are known critics of Vice President Sara Duterte. According to Chua, the allegations appeared intended to damage their credibility.
Chua also said he had already filed a case against the group referred to as the “18 Ex-Marines” and urged the public to wait for the outcome of the legal proceedings.
House Senior Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima likewise denied receiving any money, whether in a suitcase or a paper bag. De Lima said it was not surprising that the allegations had become inconsistent, arguing that the claims were fabricated.
She added that complaints for libel and cyberlibel had already been filed before the National Bureau of Investigation, while a perjury complaint was lodged with the Department of Justice.
House Prosecutor Terry Ridon also rejected the testimony of Jowly Cadiao, describing it as false. Ridon said no suitcase had ever been delivered to him at any place or at any time.
He stressed that what he described as false testimony would not stop the House prosecution panel from continuing its efforts to present what it considers the truth in the impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte.
Meanwhile, House trial spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong denied receiving any suitcase, money, or item from anyone. Adiong characterized the allegations as a distraction from the House’s constitutional responsibilities and described the accusations as an attempt to create noise and undermine calls for accountability.
He said he would not be intimidated by what he called baseless accusations and recycled political narratives.
