MANILA — Malacañang dismissed as “trash” the testimonies of 18 former bodyguards of dismissed Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, saying alleged inconsistencies in their statements would not stand in court.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro raised doubts over the credibility of the claims, which involve alleged deliveries of suitcases containing cash to government officials.

“Basura. Tutal sabi naman nila, sila ay naghahakot ng basura (Trash. Since they themselves said they are hauling trash),” Castro told Palace reporters.

She pointed to alleged inconsistencies in the statements, including the reported omission of Senator Loren Legarda from a list of officials supposedly linked to kickbacks.

“So, itong mga klase na mga statements na ito na pinuna rin na bakit ang abogado ang nagsasalita at hindi iyong 18 kargador or 18 maleta boys, hindi po ito tatayo sa korte (these kinds of statements were also questioned—why is the lawyer speaking and not the 18 porters or ‘maleta boys’? These will not stand in court),” she added.

Castro said Malacañang considers the testimonies insufficient to withstand judicial scrutiny, stressing that allegations must be supported by consistent and verifiable evidence before they can be given weight in legal proceedings.

“‘Yung ganitong klaseng mga statements na pabagu-bago, hindi po ito makakapasa sa masusing mga pag-aaral at pagsusuri ng korte. So, dito pa lamang po ay makikita na natin kung anu-anong klase ang mga kuwento nila para makapanira lamang (These kinds of inconsistent statements will not pass the court’s thorough study and evaluation. From this alone, we can already see what kind of stories they are telling just to destroy reputations),” she said.

The former security aides have claimed they delivered bags and luggage filled with cash to several politicians and prominent personalities.

The Philippine Navy earlier said four of the 18 alleged former Marines were never part of the service, while most had been dishonorably discharged.