REPRESENTATIVE Leila de Lima has vehemently denied allegations surrounding supposed cash deliveries, labeling them as fabrications designed to smear her name.
De Lima’s statement, shared on X (formerly Twitter), comes in response to recent remarks made by lawyer Levi Baligod, who represents a group of former Marines alleging the deliveries.
De Lima stated, “Whether it’s in a suitcase or a paper bag or whatever, it’s clear that it’s all invented. Their story is already falling apart because of blatant lies and another attempt to defame me! Baligod is playing fast and loose with his license to practice law.”
De Lima’s strong denial coincides with increasing scrutiny of the allegations, particularly concerning the lack of signed affidavits from the former Marines. As reported by Metrosun Daily, former Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers has dismissed the “unsigned affidavit” as a manufactured story intended to smear reputations. Barbers challenged Baligod and his clients to sign and notarize their claims to be taken seriously.
Barbers stated that without signatures, the affidavit “is just a script for a drama skit… to destroy people.” He questioned the motives of the former Marines, suggesting they might be mercenaries rather than principled individuals.
