Former Congressman Mike Defensor has filed a rejoinder before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with the cyberlibel complaint filed against him by former Sen. Antonio "Sonny" Trillanes IV.
Speaking to reporters, Defensor said the filing forms part of the legal process in response to the complaint while reiterating his call for authorities to continue investigating allegations involving the so-called "18 maleta boys" and other individuals allegedly linked to the controversy.
"Dapat huminto 'to. And syempre, sana, bagama't nagbago na ang liderato ng Senado, ituloy pa rin nila yung imbestigasyon. Marami pa ring hindi pinatawag," Defensor said.
He claimed that not all individuals mentioned in previous testimonies had been summoned during the Senate inquiry, asserting that additional witnesses could still come forward.
"Diba yung 18 Marines, nandyan na. Dumagdag pa yung apat. Actually, labing-apat 'yun eh. So may sampu pa talaga na puwedeng lumabas," he added.
Defensor also named several officials whom he believes should be invited to future proceedings, including Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Mark Ticsay, Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin, and Undersecretary Paul Estrada.
"Ito yung mga bagay na kung talagang dapat natin makita, para malaman naman natin yung korapsyon, ano ba yung nangyari talaga, ano ba yung delivery ng pera," he said.
The former lawmaker maintained that continuing the investigation would help establish the facts surrounding the allegations and determine whether any irregularities occurred in the reported movement and delivery of funds.
The DOJ has yet to rule on the cyber libel complaint, while no official announcement has been made regarding any further Senate inquiry into the allegations raised by Defensor.
