BuCor's Catapang files perjury, cyberlibel complaints vs 18 alleged ex-Marines, Baligod

Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. on Monday filed perjury and cyber libel complaints against the 18 alleged former Philippine Marines and their legal counsel, Levi Baligod.

Catapang Jr. filed the complaints with the Department of Justice (DOJ) as he denied allegations he delivered eight suit cases containing cash to former Ako-Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co. 

“Hindi totoo kasi unang-una wala akong ganoong kalaking pera at walang ganung kalaking pera ang BuCor para nakawin ko,” he said in a video by GMA Integrated News’ Sandra Aguinaldo. 

(This is not true. I don’t have that much money. The BuCor doesn’t have that much money as well.)

“Kung may pera ang BuCor ay ginamit sa construction. Wala kaming DPWH projects at ghost projects at hindi kami na involve sa whatever anomalies na sinasabi nila,” he said.

(If the BuCor has budget, that is used for construction. We don’t have Department of Public Works and Highway projects nor ghost projects. We’re not involved in any anomalies they are saying.)

To recall, Baligod and the 18 allied ex-Marines accused several individuals of allegedly receiving cash contained in suitcases from Co. Catapang Jr. said the joint affidavit also alleged he delivered kickback money to the former legislator. 

“Hindi kayang palampasin ito dahil paninirang puri na po ito. Demolition job na po ito,” he added. 

(I cannot let this pass because this is defamation. This is a demolition job.)

Catapang Jr. also said he would file a disbarment case against Baligod before the Supreme Court (SC). 

“Kung ia-accept nya na nagkamali siya pwede pag-usapan pero gusto ko magkaroon ng imbestigasyon,” he said. 

(If he admits he made a mistake then we can talk but but I want an investigation.)

GMA News Online has sought Baligod for their reaction to the developments.

Earlier in the day, House Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima of ML party-list and Fr. Flavie Villanueva also filed complaints against the 18 men who introduced themselves as former Marines and Baligod amid allegations that they received money from Co. —RF, GMA Integrated News