(Photo courtesy of the Office of Rep. Martin Romualdez)
TACLOBAN CITY – Four of the 18 individuals who earlier claimed they delivered suitcases allegedly containing cash to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, and other personalities have recanted their sworn statements, saying the allegations were fabricated in exchange for promises of financial assistance.
The four, who are among the group dubbed the “Maleta Boys,” executed new affidavits withdrawing their earlier claims that they transported suitcases allegedly containing cash to President Marcos, Romualdez, and other government officials.
In their recantation affidavits, the four said their previous statements were false and were made after they were allegedly promised money and financial support for themselves and their families.
They said they decided to retract their allegations because they wanted to tell the truth and move on with their lives.
The four also requested that their identities be withheld for security reasons.
They further claimed they were made to sign prepared affidavits that were later submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman and were warned that they could face several criminal cases if they refused. These allegations have not been independently verified.
The controversy began earlier this year when several individuals identifying themselves as former bodyguards and associates of businessman and former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co accused him of directing them to transport suitcases allegedly containing cash for delivery to several personalities, including President Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Romualdez who represents Leyte’s first congressional district.
The allegations emerged amid political tensions surrounding claims of irregularities in government flood control projects.
Malacañang, Romualdez, and Co have consistently denied the accusations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.
As of Friday, August 7, the Office of the Ombudsman had not issued any statement on whether the recantation affidavits would have any effect on any pending complaints or proceedings arising from the earlier allegations.
(JOEY A. GABIETA, LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
