Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon on Thursday said that “lies” will not stop the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, as he strongly denied allegations made by a former Marine officer claiming that he received a suitcase containing cash.
“Tandaan: Tuloy ang impeachment trial. Walang kasinungalingan o gawa-gawang testimonya ang makapipigil sa House prosecution panel na magtuloy sa paglalahad ng katotohanan sa paglilitis ng Pangalawang Pangulo,” he said.
Ridon issued the denial after former Marine Jowly Cadiao testified during a Senate blue ribbon committee hearing led by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s bloc, where several lawmakers and officials were named as alleged recipients of money from former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co.
In a firm denial, Ridon said the allegation of receiving a suitcase filled with money was entirely fabricated.
“Kasinungalingan ang testimonya ni Jowly Cadiao. Walang maleta na idineliver sa akin sa kahit anumang panahon o sa kahit saan mang lugar,” Ridon said.
He added that no false testimony would stop the House prosecution panel from pursuing its work in the ongoing impeachment proceedings involving Vice President Sara Duterte.
Cadiao, one of the supposed 18 former Marine officers who appeared at the hearing, claimed that deliveries of cash were made to various individuals, including lawmakers and government officials. Among those named was Ridon, along with several other members of Congress and former officials.
Aside from former Ridon, those mentioned in the allegations include the following:
- Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez
- Senator Vicente Sotto III
- Senator Erwin Tulfo
- Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
- Former Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman
- Former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan
- Former ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro
- Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima
- Ilocos Rep. Sandro Marcos
- Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas
- Manila Rep. Benny Abante
- Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Adiong
- Palawan Rep. Jose Alvarez
- Iloilo Rep. Julienne Baronda
- Pampanga Rep. Dong Gonzales
- Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun
- La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V
- Quezon City Rep. Jayjay Suarez
- Former Manila Rep. Joseph Paduano
- Former Sta. Rosa Rep. Dan Fernandez
- Former Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo
- Former Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel
- Fr. Flavie Villanueva
The former Marine officers alleged that money deliveries were made to various locations, including private residences, the House of Representatives, and a townhouse in Forbes Park.
