Baligod bribed by lawmakers?

MANILA - Atty. Levito Baligod denied Wednesday allegations he received bribes from lawmakers involved in the pork barrel scam, which prompted whistle-blower Benhur Luy to drop his services. Baligod said he doesn't know where the allegations are coming from but insists those behind it should present proof. He added he is ready to die for his honor. "Ako, Kabayan, ay isang ordinaryong mamayan ngunit handang ibuwis ang buhay pagka yun mga bagay na yan ang akusayon nila, I am ready to die for my honor. Gusto ko din makausap yun mga witnesses kung sino ang nagsabi nyan. Kung totoo yun kailangan patunayan nila," he said. Baligod said the last time he spoke to Luy was two weeks ago. He said he only found out about Luy's decision to drop him through Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. "Nung Lunes ng hapon dun ko lang nalaman nung tumawag si Secretary de Lima tinatanong dahil may natanggap na sulat kay Benhur na nire-release ako. Sabi ko hindi ko po alam kasi wala pa po akong natatanggap na sulat. Hanggang ngayon po, Kabayan, ay wala," he said. Baligod believes forces out to control Luy are why he was eased out. "Parating ang eleksyon ng 2016. Naramdaman ko po na kahit sa oposisyon may attempts na i-access yung mga witnesses. Ganun din po malamang sa administrasyon na gusto nilang ma-access ang whistleblowers para mapangalagaan ang kanilang interes. Both sides of the political fence are interested in influencing to a certain degree itong mga whistle-blowers," he said. ANC, March 5, 2014