Defensor admits helping ex-Marines but denies hand in their affidavit

Former Anakalusugan party-list representative Mike Defensor admitted Friday helping the 18 personalities introduced as supposed ex-Marines, who claimed delivering suitcases filled with cash to various politicians, but denied hand in their affidavit. 

Defensor said the 18 were only in direct contact with their counsel, Atty. Levito Baligod.

“Kahit na 'yung paghanap sa kanila, hindi ko sila nakikita ng mga panahon 'yun. For security reasons. So si Atty. Levi lang talaga ang kausap nila. Hindi ko sila nakakaharap. Wala akong pag-uusap sa kanila. And in fact, nung after na lang [ng presscon] ko na lang sila nakaharap,” he said in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.

(When they were being sought out, I was not able to see them for security reasons. It is Atty Levi who was in touch with them. I don't have contact with them prior to the presscon. I only saw them in person after that.)

“Hindi ako ang direktang kausap ng mga ‘yan. Pero siyempre, sinabi ko nga noon pa man, nung kay Guteza pa lang, na may mga lalabas na kasama,” he said, referring to Orly Guteza who testified in the Senate probe into the flood control mess that he delivered suitcases of money  to Co, as well as other lawmakers.

(I am not the one they are in contact with directly. But of course, even before, I said that people will follow the cue of Guteza.)

Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV earlier accused Defensor of pulling the strings behind the Marines’ allegations.

He also said that the vehicle used to transport the Marines during last Tuesday’s press conference was registered under the name of Defensor’s wife .

Asked if it is true, Defensor did not give a categorical answer and instead questioned why he is being surveilled.

“Hindi ko nga alam kung paano nila nalaman. Iyon pala, sinu-surveillance pala nila. Hindi na nila kailangan i-surveillance, tawagan lang nila ako,” he said.

(I don’t know how they became aware of it. Apparently, I am under surveillance. They don’t need to do that, they could just call me.)

Pressed on the matter, Defensor said he is being of help to the 18 former Marines.

“May kinalaman ako. Hindi ko itinatago. In fact, tumutulong ako dito sa mga taong 'to. And ngayon na lumabas sila, marami na rin tumutulong. But prior to that [press conference], talagang wala. Hindi ko sila kausap. Wala akong connection sa kanila, si Atty. Levi Baligod lamang. And ako talaga tumutulong ngayon at sa darating na panahon,” Defensor added.

(I am involved and I am not hiding it. I am helping these people. And now that they came out, there are others who are also helping them. But prior to the press con, I was not involved. I was not in touch with them and I am not connected with them, only Atty Levi Baligod. I am helping them now and will help them in the future.)

“Natutuwa naman rin ako na lumabas na itong mga makabayan nating sundalo at nagsasalita tungkol doon sa abutan ng pera. And actually. hindi ko alam pati 'yung affidavit nila. Nakita ko ‘yung mga draft, nakita ko ‘yung lahat pero hindi ako pwedeng makialam. Hindi ko sila kausap. Pero nakakagulat. Grabe. Senado, Kongreso, lahat ng institusyon ng gobyerno, Presidente,” he added.

(I am happy that these brave soldiers came out and told us about money changing hands. I do not know about their affidavit. I just saw their draft because I cannot intervene. I am not in touch with them, but I am shocked with what they said about the government institutions, Senate, Congress, the President were involved.)

Further, Defensor maintained that the Marines were not paid to make such accusations.

“Iyong pagtulong ko sa kanila, katulad yan, transportasyon, nung sila pumunta doon sa press conference, kung ano man yung pagtatago na kailangan magsama-sama sila, tumutulong ako. Marami pa tumutulong. Isa lang ako sa mga tumutulong sa kanila,” Defensor said in a Balitanghali interview.

(The things I did to help them, like transportation to the venue of their press conference, safekeeping them together…yes I am helping them and others are also extending their help. I am just one of the many people helping them.)

“Patuloy akong tutulong sa kanila pero para sabihin na binayaran para magsalita, wala pong katotohanan ‘yan,” he added.

Baligod earlier called on Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to probe the former Marines' allegations. 

The Ombudsman's office, in response, said it will evaluate the merits of the affidavit, as well as the credibility of the former military personnel. —AOL/RSJ, GMA Integrated News