Four “maleta boys” who abruptly recanted their statements had allegedly faced psychological and financial pressure, threats and surveillance, and appear unable to leave where they are staying, according to Atty. Levito Baligod, lawyer for 14 witnesses who still stand by their accounts in the flood-control probe.
Baligod said the Ombudsman invited him to discuss the cases and circumstances surrounding the four reversals.
“Matagal na po kasi silang target of focused operations, psychological, financial, and, well, may mga threats,” he said.
He described an alleged effort to “case” Rodante Orbillo’s home. Someone claiming to be from the NBI allegedly knew details about the property, including a river behind it. Baligod could not confirm the person was an NBI agent.
Benny Bulontate, one of the four recanters, later called one of the remaining 14. Baligod said Bulontate was trying to persuade him while appearing pale and swollen-eyed.
Baligod said the four appeared unable to leave the undisclosed location where they were staying. He did not identify the place or say who was preventing them from leaving.
Baligod earlier showed reporters screenshots of messages, including one he attributed to a recanter who apologized and referred to the “temptation” he was facing. George Villalon Jr. separately claimed witnesses were offered ₱20 million to ₱25 million each to recant and said he was also approached but refused.
The reversals deepen scrutiny of the flood-control investigation involving former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Ombudsman Boying Remulla has publicly said he believes Romualdez’s camp was behind them. Romualdez denied involvement.
Investigators continue pursuing plunder, graft, bribery and money laundering accusations tied to an alleged ₱56-billion flood-control scheme.
PGMN has remained courageous and defiant in the face of the over 80 counts/lawsuits Romualdez has filed, fully aware that the whole thing is Romualdez’ desperate attempt to silence the organization as he currently finds himself in the most vulnerable position of his life. Since declaring war against Romualdez two months ago, PGMN has published almost 1,000 posts about Romualdez, honestly and brutally exposing him precisely for what he is: the most corrupt Filipino politician of the 21st century.
The barrage has since generated approximately 140 million views across all platforms and is now the most viral anti-corruption campaign against a single person in the history of Philippine social media.
