Congressman Joel Chua filed complaints for libel and cyberlibel against lawyer Levito Baligod and 18 individuals identifying themselves as former members of the Philippine Marine Corps at the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday.
The complaint stemmed from statements previously released by the respondents alleging that several high-ranking government officials received large amounts of cash delivered in suitcases and other containers.
In their account, the respondents claimed that the total amount of money delivered reached ₱805 billion. They alleged that the funds were transported using suitcases, paper bags, or expandable envelopes and delivered to various locations, including houses, offices, and private properties.
Aside from lawmakers, the allegations also included supposed deliveries of cash to the residence of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, according to the statements cited in the complaint.
Baligod said they acknowledged the filing of the complaint by Chua, adding that it was an additional case to earlier complaints filed by other individuals.
Separate complaints had previously been filed by former National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Congresswoman Leila de Lima, Father Flavie Villanueva, former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Bureau of Corrections Director Gregorio Catapang Jr., and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
Authorities have yet to release further details regarding the next steps in the legal process as the complaints undergo review by the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office.
