Lawyer Levito “Levi” Baligod and four others who claim to be former bodyguards of former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co were released from the San Juan City Police Station after posting bail past 5 p.m. on Friday, October 16, following their arrest over an unjust vexation complaint.
However, 10 others remained in custody after they were reportedly unable to post bail because court personnel had already left before their barangay certificates could be processed.
Baligod questioned the requirement for updated barangay certificates, saying they had already submitted certificates issued in July, which court personnel allegedly refused to accept because they were considered outdated.
“Between a constitutional right to bail and this administrative requirement of a barangay certificate na nakapagbigay naman kami pero luma na daw yung July na barangay certificate na nasa batas naman natin na hindi yan nage-expire,” Baligod said.
“We were deprived of our liberty unlawfully, unduly by the court,” he added.
Baligod said the 10 remaining detainees would have to return to court the following day to complete the requirements and post bail. He also urged the court to resume processing their documents, citing Office of the Court Administrator circulars on court procedures.
Asked about the cases filed against them, including cyberlibel and perjury complaints, Baligod alleged that these were intended to discredit their testimonies concerning supposed irregularities in government flood control projects.
“Alam naman natin na yung mga nabanggit kasi sa pinagsamang sinumpaang salaysay ang sabi nga nila ay offense is the best defense,” he said, claiming the complaints were meant to portray the group as liars.
Baligod stressed that five individuals had already been called to testify before the Sandiganbayan.
“Kung nagsisinungaling ka, hindi mo masasagot ang mga tanong nila eh. Pero dahil nga, nagsasabi lang ng totoo ang mga ito, ay nasagot nila lahat ng mga katanungan,” he said.
The arrest warrant was issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 69 in Iba, Zambales, on September 23, with bail set at ₱10,000 for each accused. The group, known as the “maleta boys,” allegedly delivered suitcases containing money linked to questionable flood control projects, allegations that remain subject to legal proceedings.
