Lawyer Baligod, 18 others indicted for cyberlibel

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicted the 18 alleged bagmen of former lawmaker Zaldy Co and their lawyer, Levi Baligod, for cyberlibel and perjury. In a statement on Tuesday, July 28, DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said that Baligod is charged with four counts of cyberlibel, three jointly with the 18 bagmen and one in his individual capacity. No perjury charge, however, was recommended against him. The 18 alleged former bagmen face six counts of cyberlibel and four counts of perjury, according to the DOJ. "The corresponding Informations will be filed before the appropriate courts. Other complaints covered by the resolutions were dismissed for lack of prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction," the DOJ said. The complaints were filed by former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, priest Flaviano Villanueva, Bureau of Corrections Director Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. and former national security adviser Eduardo Año. The charges stemmed from allegations by Baligod and the 18 alleged former bagmen that the complainants received either a bag or luggage containing money from flood control funds linked to Co. “The approval of the recommendations constitutes a determination, for purposes of preliminary investigation, that prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction exists,” the DOJ said. “The cases will proceed before the appropriate courts in accordance with law and due process,” it added.