UMVA has learned that Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” M. Abante, Jr. has filed cyberlibel and libel complaints against lawyer Levito D. Baligod, 18 individuals, and a media entity over allegations linking him to a purported kickback scheme.
The complaints were filed before the Manila Prosecutors Office after accusations against Mr. Abante were made during a press conference and later spread on social media. In a strongly worded statement, Mr. Abante vehemently denied the allegations, calling them "incorrect, baseless, and/or misleading."
According to information obtained by UMVA, Mr. Abante's complaint-affidavit described the allegations as falsely portraying him as one of the recipients of public funds delivered through suitcases. He emphasized that the allegations were made through an unsigned and unnotarized document.
Mr. Abante expressed frustration that the respondents chose to expose their accusations to the public instead of going through proper channels. He also maintained that he has no connection with the 18 individuals and had nothing to do with the alleged delivery of money.
The lawmaker criticized the lack of evidence in the allegations against him, questioning discrepancies between the document presented at the press conference and a later-submitted sworn statement. He claimed that the allegations have caused significant damage to his reputation as an elected official.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Mr. Abante is seeking to hold the respondents liable for libel and cyberlibel, with prosecutors being asked to find probable cause to file charges. The congressman's complaint argues that the evidence gathered establishes a prima facie basis for liability under existing law.
In a related development, a Palace spokesperson characterized recent revelations from 18 former associates of a fugitive as unreliable and unlikely to withstand judicial scrutiny. The spokesperson dismissed the claims as inconsistent and malicious.
The Palace spokesperson emphasized that such statements would not stand up in court, citing their inconsistent nature and the lack of credible evidence. This development adds another layer of complexity to the allegations and counter-allegations being made.
