Malacañang on Tuesday called the alleged inconsistencies in the testimonies of 18 former bodyguards of ex-congressman Zaldy Co “trash,“ saying their constantly changing statements would not withstand scrutiny in any court.
“Basura. Tutal, sabi naman nila sila ay naghahakot ng basura,” Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro said during a press briefing on June 9 when asked about contradictions exposed in the witnesses’ accounts related to the ongoing flood control controversy being discussed at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.
Castro maintained that the testimonies—which critics have pointed to as containing contradictions, fabricated locations, and chronological inconsistencies—would not stand in court.
“Hindi po ito tatayo sa Korte. ‘Yung ganitong klaseng mga statements na pabago-bago, hindi po ito makakapasa sa masusing pag-aaral at pagsusuri ng korte. So dito pa lamang po makikita na natin kung anong klase ang mga kwento nila para makapanira lamang,” she said.
The Palace official also questioned the credibility of the witnesses’ presentation, noting that lawyer Levi Baligod appeared to be speaking on behalf of the 18 individuals instead of allowing them to personally answer questions.
“Itong mga klaseng statement na ito, na pinuna rin na bakit ang abogado ang nagsasalita at hindi yung 18 kargador or 18 maleta boys,’” Castro said.
She was referring to the labels “kargador” (porters) and “maleta boys” (suitcase boys), terms introduced by Senator Raffy Tulfo during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s consultative meeting on June 8.
Castro’s remarks came amid growing scrutiny over the credibility of the witnesses’ allegations concerning the alleged distribution of kickbacks linked to flood control projects.
During the June 3 hearing conducted by the Blue Ribbon Committee led by the Cayetano bloc, the 18 former bodyguards did not mention Senator Loren Legarda as among those who allegedly received cash-filled suitcases containing kickbacks. However, Legarda’s name appeared in their sworn affidavits.
Following the hearing, the witnesses reportedly clarified that Legarda was not involved in the alleged transactions, further fueling questions about inconsistencies between their affidavits and their testimonies before the Senate panel.
