House impeachment prosecution panel member and Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon brought a suitcase containing mangoes and wigs to a press conference on Saturday, using the props to mock allegations that cash had been delivered in luggage.
Speaking at the Saturday News Forum, Ridon said the display was meant to remind the public that not every “maleta” contains money.
“Meron po tayong dalang maleta ngayong araw po na ito,” Ridon said.
“Hindi po lahat ng maleta may pera, mga kaibigan,” he added.
Then came the punchline: “Yung iba po, may manga at peluka.”
Ridon’s remarks came after senators, during a hearing led by former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano last Thursday, raised allegations involving cash-filled suitcases.
Ridon said the House prosecution panel will not be distracted by what he described as falsehoods and fabricated testimony.
“The House and the House Prosecution Panel will not be deterred,” Ridon said.
“Hindi po kami magpapapigil sa mga kasinungalingan at mga fabricated testimonies po ng kung sino man,” he added.
He said the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte will proceed, with the House prepared to present evidence before the Senate impeachment court.
“Tuloy po ang impeachment trial, ilalatag po ng Kamara, ilalatag po ng House Prosecution Panel,” Ridon said.
He cited AMLC reports, NBI reports, and video documentation of alleged threats against the President as among the evidence to be presented.
“So bumalik po tayo sa usapin,” Ridon said.
For Ridon, the “maleta” narrative may draw attention, but the impeachment trial should remain focused on evidence and accountability.