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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Mike Defensor says he remains anti-corruption crusader despite charges

Mike Defensor says he remains anti-corruption crusader despite charges

Published May 25, 2026 06:52 pm
former Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Mike Defensor and other complainants during the press conference on Friday, Jan. 23. (Allysa Nievera)
former Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Mike Defensor and other complainants during the press conference on Friday, Jan. 23. (Allysa Nievera)
Former congressman Mike Defensor on Monday, May 25, said that the filing of charges against him will not deter him from publicly speaking against corruption.
“Hindi ako hihinto magsalita sa korapsyon na nangyayari (I will not stop from speaking about the corruption that has been happening),” Defensor told reporters at the Department of Justice (DOJ)
Defensor and his co-respondents were at the DOJ to file their respective counter-affidavits in response to the consolidated cyber libel complaints filed against them.
His co respondents include 18 former soldiers, their legal counsel lawyer Levito Baligod, and media personality Jay Sonza.
The cyber libel complaints were filed separately by Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-List Rep. Leila de Lima, human rights activist Fr. Flavie Villanueva, Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., former senator Antonio Trillanes IV.
The complaints stemmed from the Feb. 23 press conference of the 18 former soldiers who alleged they delivered billions in pesos in cash to various government officials upon former congressman Elizaldy Co.
“Mas nauna pa kami nakasuhan kaysa sa totoo, mga nagnakaw dun sa flood control scam na hanggang sa ngayon, wala kaming nakikitang kasagutan (We got charged first instead of those behind the flood control scam and up until now we find no answers),” Defensor lamented.
The former lawmaker explained that “kami 'yung nagsasalita, galit lang kami sa nangyayari at palagay ko ito din ang sentimyento ng maraming Pilipino (we are just being vocal that we are angry at what has been happening and I believe this is also the sentiment of many Filipinos).”
In his counter-affidavit, he said he asked the panel of prosecutors to dismiss the complaints against him since he is just doing what members of media did which were “inilalahad niyo lang kung ano 'yung mga binabanggit ko sa ngayon (you just convey what I am mentioning now).”
Baligod said he and the 18 former soldiers also indicated in their counter-affidavits to dismiss the cases against them.
“Hindi naman hearsay 'yung sinabi nila kundi direct na nakita namin dahil nandoon kami at nag-deliver ng pera, etcetera (What the 18 soldiers said were not hearsay but direct testimony that stated they were there and delivered the money and etcetera),” said the lawyer who cited their counter-affidavit.
Baligod explained that the Supreme Court (SC) has already declared that denials, like what the complainants are saying, are the weakest form of argument.
During Monday’s hearing, Baligod said the panel conducting the preliminary investigation of the complaints gave the complainants until June 8 to file replies in response to the counter-affidavits of the respondents.
He added the respondents were also given until June 22 to file their respective rejoinders in respond to the replies of the complainants.
After which, the panel will submit the consolidated complaints for resolution.

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