Iloilo City First District Rep. Janette Garin and Iloilo City Rep. Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda have denied receiving suitcases containing cash in connection with anomalous flood control projects.
In a radio interview, Garin dismissed as “fake news” the allegations made by 18 men who claimed to be former members of the Philippine Marine Corps.
“Fake news again. Clearly fabricated and baseless. Who delivered? Where and when? Obviously hindi nila masabat because it’s fake information and patalang,” she said.
“Diversion sa tuod nga mga issue subong. No wonder the presscon was not attended and carried by reputable [news] outlets,” Garin added.
In a statement, Baronda said she chose not to engage in falsehoods and will instead pray for truth and fairness to prevail.
The lawmaker stressed that her name was never mentioned in the inquiries conducted by the House of Representatives, the Senate, or by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
“The only reason I can think of for my name being dragged into this latest political circus is my association with a local personality who was someone critical of the previous administration and who is helping me navigate local politics,” Baronda said.
“I trust in the discernment and wisdom of the Ilonggo people to see matters clearly and judge based on truth,” she added.
In a Facebook post, former Kabataan Partylist Representative Raoul Manuel slammed the 18 men for dragging his name into the alleged money delivery scheme.
“Nakakahiya itong former Marines at Army! Mga asal marites! Di na nga nila naipagtanggol ang mga dagat natin mula sa panghihimasok ng mga banyaga, tapos gumawa pa sila ng mga kwento para idamay ang mga anti-Duterte na hindi kurakot,” he said.
“Gets na namin na si Marcos Jr ang hari ng kurapsyon sa bansa ngayon. Si Sara Duterte naman ang reyna. Pero bakit puro kalaban ng mga Duterte ang target ng affidavit nitong ex-Marines? Mga traydor sa bayan!” Manuel further said.
In their joint affidavit, the 18 men claimed that they were ordered to deliver money to several political personalities, including Garin, Baronda, Manuel, and Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Rep. Jojo Ang.
Ang has yet to release a statement on the allegations.IMT
