Iloilo Rep. Baronda files cyber libel complaint vs. 18 ex-marines, lawyer

Iloilo Representative Julienne Baronda on Wednesday filed a cyber libel complaint with the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the 18 former marines and soldiers who claimed they delivered cash from former lawmaker Zaldy Co to various individuals.

Baronda’s legal counsel said this was due to her inclusion in the list of individuals who allegedly received cash.

“Sinama siya doon sa listahan ng allegedly nakatanggap ng male-maletang pera. Hindi naman totoo ‘yun kaya nag pasya si Congressman Baronda na mag sampa ng kaso for cyber libel,” lawyer Jeric Jucaban said in an ambush interview.

(He was included in the list of those allegedly receiving suitcases full of money. That was not true, so Congressman Baronda decided to file a cyber libel case.)

Jucaban said that the 18 marines' legal counsel, Levito Baligod, is also a respondent. He said Baligod admitted in interviews that he reached out to the marines and prepared their affidavit.

GMA News Online has reached out to Baligod for comment and will publish their response once available.

For her part, Baronda said there was definitely no truth to the allegations, adding that she filed the complaint because her child has become affected by it.

“Nasobrahan na. Kailangan ko i-defend ang institution and at the same time as a mother. ‘Yung anak ko kasi naging biktima na rin, so hindi siguro pwedeng hayaan ko na lang ito. And I don’t want na gamitin ito ng mga kalaban sa politika,” she said.

(It has gone too far. I need to defend the institution and at the same time, as a mother. My child has also become a victim, so perhaps I cannot just let this pass. And I do not want this to be used by political opponents.)

The 18 marines are also facing complaints filed by former senator Antonio Tillanes IV, former National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, House Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima of ML party-list and Fr. Flavie Villanueva, and Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. at the DOJ.

They have filed their counter-affidavits to these complaints. — BM, GMA News