Manila: Malaca±ang on Tuesday described as a mere "trash" the testimonies of the 18 former bodyguards of dismissed Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, saying alleged inconsistencies in their statements would not stand in court.
According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the supposed discrepancies in their testimonies cast doubt on their claims regarding the alleged deliveries of suitcases containing cash to government officials. "Basura. Tutal sabi naman nila, sila ay naghahakot ng basura (Trash. Since they themselves said they are hauling trash)," Castro told Palace reporters.
She raised concerns over retracted or inconsistent statements, including the omission of Senator Loren Legarda's name from a list of officials purportedly linked to kickbacks. "So, itong mga klase na mga statements na ito na pinuna rin na bakit ang abogado ang nagsasalita at hindi iyong 18 kargador or 18 maleta boys, hindi po ito tatayo sa korte (these kinds of statements were also questioned-why is it the lawyer speaking and not the 18 porters or 'maleta boys'? These will not stand in court)," she added.
Asked how Malaca±ang characterizes the revelations of the former bodyguards, Castro said the statements would not withstand judicial scrutiny. She maintained that allegations must be supported by consistent and verifiable evidence before they can be given weight in legal proceedings.
''Yung ganitong klaseng mga statements na pabagu-bago, hindi po ito makakapasa sa masusing mga pag-aaral at pagsusuri ng korte. So, dito pa lamang po ay makikita na natin kung anu-anong klase ang mga kuwento nila para makapanira lamang (These kinds of inconsistent statements will not pass the court's thorough study and evaluation. From this alone, we can already see what kind of stories they are telling just to destroy reputations)," she said.
Co's former security aides have claimed that they delivered bags and luggage filled with cash to several politicians and prominent personalities. The Philippine Navy earlier said four out of the 18 alleged former Marines were never part of the service while the majority had been dishonorably discharged.
