By Benjamin Pulta
MANILA – National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año on Wednesday filed criminal charges against the 18 former Marines, lawyer Levito Baligod and former congressman Mike Defensor for implicating him in the alleged delivery of money to public officials.
The respondents have been charged with cybercrime and unlawful publication and utterances before the Department of Justice (DOJ).
“I was really surprised. And of course, you can say I am really mad with their malicious imputations,” Año said in a media interview.
The official said he will also file cyber libel and perjury charges against the respondents.
“If you remember, isinama nila ako dun sa (they included me in the) signed affidavit, and that is really malicious and fabrication and bereft of truth. So, I have to defend my honor because I will not sell my name to anyone for any amount,” he said.
Año said even when he served as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, he never tolerated corruption.
“Nagsilbi ako sa Armed Forces hanggang chief of staff. Nagsilbi ako sa iba-ibang administration. Isa lang yung aking puhunan (I served in the Armed Forces up to chief of staff. I served in various administrations. My only investment is) professionalism and love of country. I do not play politics,” he said.
“I will never run in any elected position. Trabaho lang ako para sa ating bansa, makatulong sa ating mga kababayan (I just work for our country, to help our countrymen), that’s all,” he added. (PNA)
