Lawyer admits ‘oversight’ in putting De Lima on ‘maleta’ list
The lawyer for alleged ex-Marines-turned-“bagmen” admitted an “oversight” in naming former Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima among supposed recipients of kickbacks from flood control projects, a significant development in the 'maleta' list controversy.
Lawyer Levi Baligod admitted on February 26, 2026, to committing an 'oversight' or 'error' in including Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima in a list of lawmakers allegedly receiving cash-filled suitcases (maleta) from 18 former Marines and Army personnel. Baligod represents these alleged 'bagmen' who claimed to have transported around P8 billion in kickbacks from flood control projects for former Ako Bicol Representative Elizaldy Co. The affidavit was submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday, February 26, 2026, alleging that 26 legislators and government officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, received cash deliveries.
Baligod clarified that none of the 18 couriers testified to delivering suitcases directly to De Lima, which led to his admission of the mistake. However, he maintained that his clients claimed De Lima attended meetings at a townhouse where she allegedly received a paper bag containing P5 million to P10 million in cash, not suitcases. This distinction formed the basis of his 'oversight' admission while still maintaining some form of cash delivery allegation against her.
The controversy emerged amid significant political developments, particularly the International Criminal Court's pretrial hearing on former President Rodrigo Duterte's case, which began on Monday, February 23, 2026. De Lima, who was acquitted in drug-related cases in June 2024 after years of detention, dismissed the allegations as a 'fabricated demolition job' timed to distract from the Duterte family's legal troubles. She noted that the allegations surfaced just as two Dutertes were set to face trial and as discussions about Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment were scheduled for March 2, 2026.
Other lawmakers questioned the timing of the cash suitcase allegations, suggesting they were politically motivated. The Palace and affected lawmakers have denied involvement in any kickback scheme. Baligod's affidavit also seeks an Ombudsman investigation of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla for alleged ICC-related meetings and includes purported photos of cash bags. The lawyer cited potential anti-graft and ethics violations in his complaint, though the veracity of the ex-military personnel's testimonies remains unverified, and no direct evidence of suitcase deliveries to De Lima has been presented.
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