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Advocates Philippines
Garin Files Cyberlibel, Perjury Cases Against Baligod And 18 'Bagmen'
Photo credit: Sen. Rodante Marcoleta
Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin on Wednesday filed cyberlibel and perjury complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against lawyer Levi Baligod and 18 men who claimed they had served as bodyguards and aides of former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.
The complaints stem from allegations made by the group linking Garin to the alleged delivery of bags and suitcases supposedly coming from Co. The accusations surfaced amid the controversy surrounding claims made by the self-described former security personnel and aides of the former lawmaker.
Speaking to reporters after filing the complaints on June 10, Garin strongly denied the allegations and said she decided to take legal action to clear her name and directly confront her accusers.
"Minarapat kong mag-file, unang-una dahil malinis ang konsensya ko at ni isang bag, envelope, o maleta ay walang naibigay si Zaldy Co sa akin o maski sinumang miyembro ng aking pamilya at ng aking opisina. Pangalawa, minarapat ko ring mag-file para harap-harapang matanong ko sila sino, kailan, at saan sila nagbitbit ng alleged na maleta kasi sigurado akong wala," Garin said.
The controversy began after the 18 individuals, accompanied by Baligod, publicly claimed that they had delivered bags and suitcases on behalf of Co to several personalities. Their allegations fueled political tensions and prompted calls for further investigation.
Former congressman Zaldy Co has likewise denied the accusations and questioned the credibility and motives of the men behind the claims. His camp has maintained that the allegations are baseless and politically motivated.
Garin said filing the complaints would give her an opportunity to confront the respondents and require them to substantiate their allegations under oath.
Cyberlibel cases in the Philippines involve allegedly defamatory statements made through online platforms, while perjury charges concern the making of false statements under oath.
The Department of Justice will evaluate the complaints and determine whether there is probable cause to pursue formal charges against the respondents.
The cases mark the latest development in the growing controversy involving Co and the group of men represented by Baligod, with both camps continuing to trade accusations over the veracity of the claims.
The complaints stem from allegations made by the group linking Garin to the alleged delivery of bags and suitcases supposedly coming from Co. The accusations surfaced amid the controversy surrounding claims made by the self-described former security personnel and aides of the former lawmaker.
Speaking to reporters after filing the complaints on June 10, Garin strongly denied the allegations and said she decided to take legal action to clear her name and directly confront her accusers.
"Minarapat kong mag-file, unang-una dahil malinis ang konsensya ko at ni isang bag, envelope, o maleta ay walang naibigay si Zaldy Co sa akin o maski sinumang miyembro ng aking pamilya at ng aking opisina. Pangalawa, minarapat ko ring mag-file para harap-harapang matanong ko sila sino, kailan, at saan sila nagbitbit ng alleged na maleta kasi sigurado akong wala," Garin said.
The controversy began after the 18 individuals, accompanied by Baligod, publicly claimed that they had delivered bags and suitcases on behalf of Co to several personalities. Their allegations fueled political tensions and prompted calls for further investigation.
Former congressman Zaldy Co has likewise denied the accusations and questioned the credibility and motives of the men behind the claims. His camp has maintained that the allegations are baseless and politically motivated.
Garin said filing the complaints would give her an opportunity to confront the respondents and require them to substantiate their allegations under oath.
Cyberlibel cases in the Philippines involve allegedly defamatory statements made through online platforms, while perjury charges concern the making of false statements under oath.
The Department of Justice will evaluate the complaints and determine whether there is probable cause to pursue formal charges against the respondents.
The cases mark the latest development in the growing controversy involving Co and the group of men represented by Baligod, with both camps continuing to trade accusations over the veracity of the claims.
Jun 10, 2026
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