PHP100-M bribe try, drug convict wife’s ambush both real –Aguirre

”Ang ambush siguradong may NBI totoo ang ambush. Hindi porke’t hindi nireport ay wala nang ambush. Hindi nya (Lalaine Madrigal-Martinez, wife of drug convict Noel Martinez) ni-report sapagkat ang sabi niya sa akin malapit na yung bahay niya dun sa pinag-ambushan at kung siya ay pupunta pa sa ibang lugar lalong manganib ang buhay niya,” Aguirre told reporters in an ambush interview. (Photo: Vitaliano Aguirre/Facebook.com)

MANILA –Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Wednesday reiterated that the PHP100 million bribe offered to the inmates to recant their testimonies against Senator Leila DeLima and the ambush of a wife of a high profile inmate are both real.

”Ang ambush siguradong may NBI totoo ang ambush. Hindi porke’t hindi nireport ay wala nang ambush. Hindi nya (Lalaine Madrigal-Martinez, wife of drug convict Noel Martinez) ni-report sapagkat ang sabi niya sa akin malapit na yung bahay niya dun sa pinag-ambushan at kung siya ay pupunta pa sa ibang lugar lalong manganib ang buhay niya,” Aguirre told reporters in an ambush interview.

Aguirre claimed that Martinez was ambushed early Friday morning along Polaris Street, Barangay Poblacion, Makati City.

But Makati City Police said that they did not receive any reports of an ambush within the city on Friday.

During a press conference on Monday, Martinez said she did not report the incident so as not to further drag her family in the controversy following the testimony of her husband and her information about the PHP100-million bribe.

Instead of reporting to the police, the victim said she immediately informed Aguirre of the incident. She also treated her own wound.

“Nakita niyo naman yung sasakyan may tama. Tapos may tama din sya. Kasi ang basehan lang nyo na hindi totoo yung ambush sapagkat hindi nireport sa pulis,” Aguirre said.

Aguirre also said that the bribe is true as the NBI have already gathered evidence – including records of the supposed mobile phone used for the bribe offer.

Aguirre earlier revealed that it was Martinez who informed him that PHP100 million was offered to the inmates at Camp Aguinaldo in exchange for retracting their testimonies against de Lima who is now detained at PNP Custodial Center to the drug charges she is facing before the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC).

”Totoo ang bribe. Lahat nakuha,” Aguirre answered based on the query of reporters regarding the bribe incident.

He named former Senator Jamby Madrigal and Laguna Rep. Marlyn “Len” Alonte-Naguiat behind the alleged offer that was coursed through Martinez. Both have already denied the allegation.

Aguirre also called his critics “illogical” for calling him a liar over the alleged ambush and the bribe incident.

Martinez remained firm on her tip to Aguirre that there was PHP100 million which was indeed offered to have the testimonies against De Lima retracted.

“Basta sa akin, Sir about doon sa PHP100 million na iyon pinaninindigan ko po iyon dahil meron po akong ebidensya laban doon at meron po akong recording,” said Lalaine during a press briefing at the NBI Monday night.

“Ngayon po ay pinapaubaya ko po sa NBI ang pag-iimbestiga tungkol sa aking mga nalalaman,” said Martinez, who is the wife of convicted Noel Martinez, one of the high-profile inmates of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) currently detained at the Custodial Center of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Camp Aguinaldo.