Ten members of the “maleta boys” group were released on Saturday, August 8, after securing bail from the Las Piñas City Regional Trial Court (RTC) following their arrest on perjury charges a day prior.
Supporters celebrated as defense counsel Atty. Levito Baligod announced that his clients completed their bail requirements, a update he also verified through a social media post.
The Las Piñas City Police took the 10 individuals into custody on Friday, August 7, when they initially failed to post bail for four counts of perjury. Only three members of the cohort managed to satisfy the financial conditions within the designated window that day.
Court warrants issued by Las Piñas RTC Judge Kathryn Sabado set the bail amount at P18,000 for each charge.
Prior to their release, Baligod presented evidence to the press regarding alleged bribery attempts targeted at group members who had previously recanted their testimonies. The former security guards were anticipated to name the individuals behind these alleged payouts.
The 18 men labeled as the “maleta boys” are alleged former bodyguards for former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co. The group was reportedly tasked with transporting suitcases of cash to prominent figures.
In a related development, four other members of the group recanted their previous statements that implicated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez, and several other officials in kickback schemes related to flood control projects.