HOUSE trial spokesperson and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong on Wednesday maintained that the controversy involving the so-called “Maleta Boys” appears intended to divert public attention from the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.
Speaking on the Memo with Korina Sanchez program on Bilyonaryo News Channel, Alonto Adiong said the timing of the allegations and the personalities behind them have fueled suspicions that the issue is being used to shift attention away from the impeachment proceedings.
“Very obvious talaga sa akin ‘yun na meron talagang attempt para i-divert ‘yung attention doon sa impeachment trial,” Alonto Adiong said.
The controversy stems from allegations by the so-called “Maleta Boys,” a group of 18 former bodyguards of former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co who claimed they delivered cash-filled luggage to lawmakers and other personalities.
Alonto Adiong was among those named in the allegations, which he has repeatedly denied.
Despite being directly implicated, the House trial spokesperson said the controversy should not overshadow the Senate’s constitutional duty to proceed with the impeachment trial.
He noted that the individuals behind the allegations have openly identified themselves as supporters of Duterte.
“Sila mismo naman talaga mismo ‘yung nagsasabi na they’re really known to be a supporter of the Vice President,” he said.
Alonto Adiong also pointed to efforts to bring the group before a Senate Blue Ribbon proceeding even as preparations for the impeachment trial were underway.
“So makikita mo naman even during the Blue Ribbon Subcommittee, sila talaga ‘yung nag-insist na kailangan mapunta doon ‘yung 18 Marines,” he said.
“Kung titignan mo, from that circumstance alone, hindi mo rin pwedeng masisi ‘yung tao kung ang right away na magiging suspicion niya o magiging observation niya is attempt ito para malihis ‘yung usapin sa impeachment,” Alonto Adiong said.
According to Alonto Adiong, the controversy achieved precisely that result by drawing public attention away from the impeachment case.
“At ‘yun naman talagang naging resulta kasi hindi lang ang House Prosecution Team, hindi lang ‘yung sumusuporta sa impeachment, but even ‘yung mga other sectors like sa legal community, academe, religious community, sinasabi na bakit ninyo ginagawa ito, paglilihis ito doon sa tunay na usapin which is the impeachment trial,” he said.
The lawmaker noted that some of the issues being raised alongside the allegations are already being addressed by the proper government agencies.
“Kung sa flood control, meron nang ahensya na gumagalaw diyan, andiyan ang Ombudsman. In fact, mayroon nang naaresto at saka ‘yung ibang pangalan na nabanggit, active ‘yung investigation diyan, may case buildup na ginagawa diyan,” he said.
Alonto Adiong stressed that the Senate’s responsibility is different because it has already assumed jurisdiction over the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte.
“Kumbaga itong Senate ngayon, since they have taken jurisdiction over the Articles of Impeachment, ang duty nila ngayon is to forthwith proceed with the trial,” he said.
Despite the political controversy and recent leadership tensions in the Senate, Alonto Adiong expressed confidence that the impeachment proceedings would move forward as scheduled.
“Wala naman ako kaduda-duda, matutuloy ‘yan dahil nga naka-receive na nga tayo ng notice o memo galing sa ating Senate President, so tuloy-tuloy na po ‘yan,” Alonto Adiong said.
The Senate impeachment court is scheduled to hold its pre-trial conference on June 18, a key stage that will define the issues, evidence and witnesses before the start of trial proceedings.
