National Security Adviser Eduardo Año on Wednesday, March 4, filed a criminal complaint before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against former Anakalusugan Party-list Representative Mike Defensor, lawyer Levito Baligod, and 18 alleged “former marines.”
The respondents were charged with unlawful means of publication and unlawful utterances under the Revised Penal Code in relation to Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act).
The complaint stemmed from allegations by the 18 supposed ex-marines that they delivered billions of pesos in kickbacks from flood control projects to several government officials, including Año.
“Isinama nila ako doon sa signed affidavit and that is really malicious and fabrication and bereft of truth,” Año said.
“So, I have to defend my honor because I will not sell my name to anyone for any amount.”
The allegations were disclosed by Baligod during a press conference and later submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman, which deputized the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a probe.
Año said he included Defensor in the complaint after the former lawmaker admitted assisting the 18 alleged former marines.
He described the case as “just the first” of several legal actions he plans to pursue.
“May mga succeeding cases pa ako na ipa-file,” he said, adding that he intends to file cyber libel and perjury charges.
The national security adviser also denied claims that he attended a meeting with former House Speaker Martin Romualdez where he allegedly received money.
“I was really surprised. And of course, you can say I am really mad with their malicious imputations,” Año said.
He stressed that throughout his service—from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to his current post—his policy has been “no take, no give.”
“I have to protect my name, I have to defend my honor because I will not sell my name to anyone for any amount, that was really a malicious imputation,” Año said.