The legal team representing 18 individuals identifying as former Marines and soldiers has requested the Department of Justice (DOJ) for more time to respond to criminal complaints involving allegations of illegal cash deliveries from former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co.
Lawyer Levito Baligod confirmed the move on Monday during a preliminary investigation into charges of cyberlibel and perjury filed by several high-profile complainants, including Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima, former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, and former National Security Adviser Eduardo Año.
“Yes, we did,” Baligod said in an ambush interview when asked if they had sought an extension.
The cases originated from claims made by the group linking various officials to alleged payouts from Co. Baligod informed reporters that the defense intends to submit their formal counter-affidavits by May 25.
Beyond the legal technicalities, Baligod alleged that his clients are currently facing pressure to abandon their testimonies in exchange for significant financial rewards.
“Ang kondisyon nila ay bibigyan sila ng pera at uuwi na sila sa kani-kanilang mga probinsya at huwag na magpakita, huwag nang bumalik sa Manila, at huwag na nilang panindigan ang kanilang sinumpaang salaysay,” he claimed.
The lawyer alleged that these offers originated from the camps of those named by the former soldiers and through individuals previously associated with Co’s media operations, though no specific evidence was provided to support the claim of bribery.