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National Security Adviser Eduardo Año
Geremy Pintolo / File
MANILA, Philippines — National Security Adviser Eduardo Año has filed a new set of complaints over the “paper bag” allegations made by the 18 former Marines against him.
In an interview with reporters on Wednesday, March 11, Año said that he filed perjury and cyberlibel complaints against the 18 former soldiers.
"I want to make it clear, wala naman akong pake sa ibang pinagsasabi nila,” Año said.
(I want to make it clear, I don't really care about the other things they're saying.)
“Doon lang ako concerned sa malicious imputations and fabrications directed against me," he added.
(I am only concerned about the malicious claims and lies being made against me.)
On March 4, Año also filed complaints for violation of Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, or unlawful means of publication or unlawful utterances.
It was also lodged under the Cybercrime Prevention Act, which gives crimes under the Revised Penal Code a penalty one degree higher.
In the affidavit submitted by the 18 Marines to the Office of the Ombudsman on February 26, they alleged that Año was seen receiving a paper bag following a meeting at the Polo Club Townhouse.
The meeting reportedly included former lawmaker Zaldy Co, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Rep. Leila De Lima (Mamamayang Liberal).
Año earlier dismissed the allegations, saying his career in the military and the cabinet has a strict policy against corruption.
Aside from Año, those who also filed complaints of perjury and cyberlibel include De Lima, former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Flavie Villanueva, and Bureau of Corrections Director Gregorio Catapang Jr.
