Witness claims ex-Romualdez aide received payment to recant testimony

MANILA — Rodante Orbillo, a self-described bagman-turned-witness, told the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Thursday that he learned one of his former colleagues from the 'Maleta boys' group had been paid to recant his testimony. Orbillo said he made the discovery when the colleague purportedly revealed details of receiving money in exchange for changing his earlier statements.

The revelation marks another development in the ongoing investigation into the alleged extortion and bribery scheme involving associates of former House Speaker Ferdinand 'Buddy' Romualdez. The so-called 'Maleta boys' were reportedly operatives involved in collecting money from business figures.

Orbillo's testimony adds to mounting evidence suggesting potential witness tampering in the high-profile case. The Sandiganbayan has been scrutinizing allegations that some witnesses have been pressured or incentivized to alter their accounts of events surrounding the controversial activities.

The case continues to draw attention as anti-corruption efforts focus on investigating potential illegal activities and obstruction of justice. Authorities are examining whether systematic attempts were made to compromise witness testimony through financial inducements or other means of persuasion.