Two of the so-called "ex-soldiers", who were hailed by Senator Loren Legarda as heroes, retracted their earlier claim that they delivered cash-filled suitcases to the senator.
Senator Loren Legarda (Senate PRIB photo)
Baligod said on Monday, June 8, that the so-called “ex-soldiers" have admitted they were mistaken in their earlier statement, retracting the allegation that Legarda received two luggage bags allegedly filled with cash from former Congressman Zaldy Co.
"Ang maaalala namin sir, with due respect, pasensya na, sabi: Wala kaming nakitang maleta na nakapasok doon sa gate (What we remember, with due respect, we're sorry about this they said: We did not see any suitcase enter their gate)," Baligod said.
He added that he even reached out to former lawmaker Mike Defensor to get access to Legarda.
Baligod said that she may file perjury charges against the two individuals who made the claim.
"Kung gusto ni Senator Loren na kasuhan yung dalawa, ibinibigay ko ang ebidensya. Pwede niyang kasuhan ng perjury yung dalawa kung gusto niya (If Senator Loren wants to file charges against the two, I am providing the evidence. She can charge them with perjury if she wishes)," he said.
"Pero as I said, we are man enough to admit a mistake, and brave enough to rectify it," he added.
He stated that the correction was made as early as March.
It was previously alleged that Legarda received two medium-sized suitcases in 2024.