By Ellson Quismorio
Bicol Saro Party‑list Rep. Terry Ridon joined fellow House officials in pressing authorities to unmask the masterminds behind the alleged lies spread by the so‑called 18 “Maleta Boys,” after several of them withdrew their sworn statements.
Four of the former security aides who earlier claimed involvement in cash deliveries linked to ex‑Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co have recanted, while former Senate Blue Ribbon Committee witness Orly Guteza also retracted his testimony implicating former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Co.
Ridon said the reversals cast “substantial doubt” on the accusations, stressing that the retractions show much of the earlier claims were fabrications.
“Malaking bahagi ng mga binabanggit nila ay mga kasinungalingan,” he noted, adding that the affidavits had no basis other than concoctions by those who allegedly used the witnesses.
House quad‑committee chairman Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. and impeachment adviser Robert Ace Barbers likewise underscored the need to identify who was “pulling the strings” behind the witnesses.
Guteza, in his new affidavit, alleged that detained lawmakers Rodante Marcoleta and Mike Defensor influenced his earlier testimony.
Romualdez’s counsel, lawyer Ade Fajardo, said the repeated reversals have stripped the Maleta Boys of any credibility.
“It’s no longer credible. Wala nang credible testimony. Kung mga sampung beses ka na nag‑somersault, e di ano pang credible doon?” he remarked, adding that some affiants admitted being offered financial incentives to join the group.
Lawmakers said the recantations could now serve as evidence for those implicated to pursue complaints against those who allegedly orchestrated the false testimonies.
