18 ‘bagmen’ to face more raps – Trillanes

MANILA, Philippines — Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV indicated that more charges are likely to be filed against the 18 self-styled 'bagmen' of fugitive Zaldy Co and their lawyer, Levito Baligod, beyond cyberlibel and perjury. Trillanes posted on Facebook, "More to come," hinting at further developments. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has stated that ten charges are being prepared against the 18 men and Baligod: six for cyberlibel and four for perjury. These individuals had claimed to have delivered cash-filled suitcases to numerous state officials, including President Marcos, as part of an alleged flood control kickback scheme. However, some of their claims have since been retracted, casting doubt on their credibility. Baligod, the lawyer, intends to file a motion for reconsideration, arguing that DOJ prosecutors erred in their cyberlibel charges, asserting there is "no proof that any one of us ‘posted on social media’ the joint affidavit of the 18 men."