Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has firmly dismissed allegations by a group known as the “maleta boys,” who accused him of accepting suitcases of cash tied to questionable flood control projects.
Characterizing the claims as a politically driven smear campaign, Escudero categorically denied receiving any payoffs.
The allegations came to light through the former bodyguards of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, who claimed their former boss distributed bribes and kickbacks to various politicians.
Speaking during a podcast appearance, Escudero noted that while he expected to be targeted, the claims are entirely baseless due to his long-standing personal rift with Co.
“Hindi na ako nagulat. Pero tahasan kong sasabihin hindi totoo yan dahil magkagalit kami ni Co sa mahabang panahon at maraming nakakaalam niyan at imposibleng mangyari yan,” Escudero said.
The lawmaker further pointed out glaring factual errors in the accusers’ narrative, including a flawed location detail, though he chose not to clarify the mistake.
“Maliban doon, mali din yung address nila. Hindi ko na iko-correct yung address para sabihin tama yung address ko. Pero mali din yung address nila,” he added.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, Escudero stated he has no plans to pursue cyberlibel charges against the group.
He explained that navigating false political attacks is part of being a public servant and should not cause distress if the claims lack truth.
“Anything that is not true should not bother you. Yun ang prinsipyo ko at paniniwala ko. Kaya kada magsasabi sa tagal ko sa pulitika lahat ng nagsabi ng kasanungilingan laban sa akin dededemanda ako, ang dami ko sigurong kasong ina-attend-an ngayon,” he said.
Reflecting on his extensive political career, the senator recalled how he has survived an array of wild, unfounded rumors over the years without feeling the need to legitimize them through court battles.
“Sinimulan nilang sinabihan akong babaero biglang sinabi akong bakla. Sinabihan ako ng adik, sinabihan ako ng lasenggo. Lahat naman ng binato sa axis,” he said.
“Hayaan niyo lang. Magsasawa din yan. Kasi pag hindi naman totoo, mamamatay na lang naman mag-isa yan. Hindi yun nagsabi, yung kwento,” he added.
While Escudero is content to let the public relations stunt fade away, he challenged his detractors to move past media press briefings, formalize their allegations in sworn affidavits, and bring their claims before the proper legal authorities.