Sen. Erwin Tulfo on Wednesday filed new criminal complaints for grave oral defamation against lawyer Levito Baligod, former Rep. Mike Defensor, and several others over allegations that he received suitcases of money in connection with the flood control scandal.

According to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa, Tulfo filed the complaints before the Office of the City Prosecutor at the Mandaluyong City Hall of Justice.

Also named as respondents were two former bodyguards of resigned Rep. Zaldy Co, Quezon City Councilor Ranulfo Ludovica, lawyer Virgilio Garcia.

The senator said the filing was made upon the advice of his counsel, Jovito Barata, following public statements by the respondents that Tulfo described as false.

“Sabi ng attorney ko [Atty. Jovito Barata], sampahan mo ng kaso yan. He was the one who advised me sampahan ng kaso kasi may mga sinungaling,” Tulfo said, adding he initially had no plans to pursue legal action.

“Ako sana walang plano, sabi ko pabayaan mo na,” his lawyer urged him to proceed with the case so the public could see that he had done nothing wrong.

The case stems from claims made by members of a group described as “18 ex-bodyguards,” who earlier surfaced in connection with allegations tied to the nationwide flood control scam being examined in public hearings.

Tulfo has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and rejected the accusations against him.

Baligod and the others have yet to issue a detailed response to the latest complaint as of posting time.