Recantation of 'Maleta Boys' Suggests Pattern of Fabricated Evidence by Previous Administration, Lawyer Claims

A public interest lawyer stated on Saturday that the recantation of testimonies by four out of 18 individuals dubbed the “maleta boys” reinforces what he described as a pattern of fabricated evidence and the use of unreliable witnesses by the previous administration. “Clear pattern ng manufacturing evidence. Nakita na namin noon pa,” Atty. Dino de Leon said during the program. He suggested that this practice was used against political targets. The term “maleta boys” likely refers to individuals connected to an incident in 2017 where suitcases containing cash were discovered at a church in Metro Manila. However, questions have since been raised about the reliability of their testimonies and how they were obtained during subsequent investigations and trials. De Leon argued that such recantations point to the credibility of evidence in the judicial process and how past administrations have targeted their opponents or critics. Allegations of fabricated evidence and witness coercion or bribery have been raised in the Philippines in previous cases. This development could impact public trust in the transparency and fairness of the Philippine judicial system, with future investigations and legal proceedings being closely watched. Information source: Inquirer NewsInfo