Witness claims P10 million bribes offered for maleta boys to retract statements
A former security aide testified that a P10 million sum was proposed to each of the remaining “maleta boys” to withdraw their accusations against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
At a Sandiganbayan Third Division hearing, former security guard Christopher Esquivel disclosed that a former colleague proposed a P10 million payout for each of the remaining “maleta boys” to withdraw their statements implicating former House Speaker Martin Romualdez in a massive kickback scheme. The offer allegedly split into P5 million for a recruiter and P5 million for each boy who recanted. Esquivel, who also served as a security aide for former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, refused the money, saying he was not persuaded.
Romualdez, who denies wrongdoing, cited the recantations of Benny Bulontate, Rosebert Waupan and Belnard Tube in his bail petition. Prosecutors, however, continue to rely on the original testimonies. The Office of the Ombudsman dismissed the recantations, labeling them suspicious and potentially obtained through intimidation or monetary inducement.
