House trial spokesperson Robert “Ace” Barbers has challenged four members of the “Maleta Boys” to name the individuals who allegedly pressured them into fabricating accusations against top government officials.
The group of 18 alleged former bodyguards of former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co previously claimed they transported suitcases of cash to public officials regarding the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.
However, four members, Rosebert Macasasa Waupan, Cecilio Serafica Larroder Jr., Benny Bulontate, and Bernard Tube, have filed their affidavits withdrawing their statements submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman. They alleged attorney Levi Baligod coached their statements, while former Rep. Mike Defensor and Sen. Rodante Marcoleta promised support. Meanwhile, a fifth individual, Jeron Gaveria Balderama, clarified he was never part of the group and never witnessed any cash transfers.
“Ito ang pakiusap natin sa apat na ito, dapat siguro mas maging matapang pa kayo.
Pangalanan n’yo sino ‘yung mga ’yan,” Barbers said during an online press conference. “At kung kayo may ebidensya, ipakita n’yo na itong sinasabi ninyo ay may katotohanan, nang sa ganoon hindi naman maapektuhan itong mga taong pinangalanan nila doon sa kanilang joint affidavit.”
Barbers stressed that the withdrawal of the statement expose deliberate coaching and fabrication.
“Sila mismo nagsabi na merong nagtutulak sa kanila, merong gumawa ng kanilang joint affidavit, at merong nagsasabi sa kanila na ito ang sabihin,” he said. “Hindi ba nakakabahala ’yun?”
Having already filed libel and cyberlibel complaints against Baligod and the group, Barbers insisted those who orchestrated the claims must be legally prosecuted.
“Kung sino man ang gumawa nitong fabricated lies na ito, sino man ang gumawa nitong paninirang puri na ito, eh siguro dapat panagutin nila ’yan sa batas,” Barbers said. “Meron nang inconsistency sa mga pahayag nitong mga 18 na ito, pati si Atty. Baligod. Alam mo na merong pagsisinungaling, alam mo na merong paninirang-puri.”
Attributing the retractions to unfulfilled promises of money and protection, Barbers noted, “The only thing I can think of is probably konsensya,” as he urged the remaining group members to step forward if they were similarly misled.