Senator Robin Padilla. Photo courtesy of PNA.
Senator Robin Padilla met with a group of individuals linked to the alleged “bagman” scheme when they arrived at the Senate on Monday, saying they were invited as his guests.
The group, composed of 18 men who identified themselves as former Marines, was accompanied by their lawyer Levito Baligod during the visit.
Padilla said he had been informed ahead of their arrival and personally received them before escorting them into the Senate premises.
He clarified that their presence was not necessarily connected to the ongoing Senate blue ribbon committee inquiry into the flood control controversy.
According to the senator, the decision to attend the hearing was left entirely to the group, noting that they were free to choose whether to participate in the proceedings.
The blue ribbon panel, chaired by Senator Erwin Tulfo, resumed its investigation on Monday into alleged irregularities involving flood control projects.
The individuals have been tagged in claims involving the transport of luggage filled with cash, which were allegedly delivered to certain government officials, including members of Congress.
The accusations also linked the group to operations said to be tied to former Ako Bicol party list representative Zaldy Co, although the matter remains under investigation.