MANILA, Philippines — Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima on Monday filed complaints for libel and cyber libel before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against lawyer Levi Baligod and 18 individuals who introduced themselves as former members of the Philippine Marine Corps.
The complaints stemmed from allegations linking De Lima to the supposed delivery of P805 billion in cash intended for several government officials.
Speaking to reporters after filing the complaint, De Lima said the statements attributed to the alleged former Marines and remarks made by Baligod in media interviews contained “lies” meant to damage her reputation.
“We are here to file a complaint for libel and cyber libel against the 18 alleged ex-Marines and also against Attorney Levi Baligod,” De Lima said, adding that the sworn statements and subsequent interviews repeated accusations that she had received money.
“It’s very clear to me that these are being done… to besmirch my reputation and smear my name,” she said.
De Lima denied claims that she received cash deliveries, whether in suitcases, paper bags, or other containers, calling the accusations “pure lies.”
“I have not received any cash money, wherever it may have been placed,” she said.
The lawmaker said she decided to pursue legal action to prevent the allegations from further damaging her name.
“I will not allow them again to destroy my character and malign my name for whatever agenda they may have,” she said.
The complaints came after the group allegedly circulated affidavits and made public statements claiming that large sums of money had been delivered to certain officials, with De Lima’s name among those mentioned.