Senator Tulfo anticipated recantation by ‘Maleta Boys’ in flood control controversy

Senator Erwin Tulfo stated on Friday that he was unsurprised by four so-called “maleta boys” retracting their allegations regarding an alleged flood control kickback scheme.

The individuals belong to a group of 18 whistleblowers who previously claimed to have delivered suitcases of cash derived from anomalous flood control projects to high-profile figures, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and Tulfo himself.

“I don't know. Pero ako, expected ko na ho 'yon na mag-re-recant po sila,” Tulfo told reporters. (“I expected them to recant.”)

In their recantation, the four men claimed they were coerced by the Office of the Ombudsman into signing their original affidavits. Tulfo dismissed this claim, pointing out that legal counsel—including Atty. Levito Baligod—was present when the initial statements were executed. He also questioned why the men chose to file separate retractions rather than stand by their original testimony.

Tulfo suggested that the prospect of severe legal repercussions likely prompted the turnaround.

“Siguro po, nakonsensya din ho siguro. Dahil nakita nila, kasi kung talagang totoo 'yung sinasabi nila, hindi siguro ganun kadaming demanda ang aabutin nila,” Tulfo said. (“Perhaps their conscience got to them. They realized that if their claims were true, they wouldn't be facing this many lawsuits.”)

In a recent interview with GMA, the four men—identities concealed behind jackets, caps, and face masks—denied their previous claims. They alleged that unnamed handlers supplied the pre-prepared affidavits and promised them two years of financial support in exchange for false testimony.

Meanwhile, Tulfo confirmed that the criminal complaint his camp filed against the group before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office remains stalled due to the respondents' non-appearance.

“Just to clarify, 'yung finile ho namin sa Pasay, hindi po sila nag-a-appear. Ilang beses na po sinubpoena ng Pasay Fiscal's Office. Nobody's appearing,” he added.