Senator Alan Peter Cayetano barred the 18 individuals known as the “Maleta Boys” from attending a hearing called by Senator Erwin Tulfo at the Senate this Monday, June 8.
In a letter from Cayetano to Attorney Levi Baligod, Cayetano thanked them for attending the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on June 4.
“We must clarify, however, that the hearing purportedly set for 08 June 2026 was not authorized by this Office,” Cayetano emphasized.
The letter also stated that invitations for the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing should only come from Senators Pia and Marcoleta, or from the Committee Secretariat based on the directive of the two senators.
Cayetano added that the procedural safeguards and protection for the 18 “Maleta Boys” cannot be guaranteed if the hearing they attend is outside the authority of the “duly designated chairperson.”
Cayetano’s letter was posted on a Facebook account this Sunday, June 7.
According to the post, Cayetano warned them to be careful and ensure that any invitation or order they receive is verified, especially amid reports of threats of arrest and involvement of various government agencies in matters related to their testimony.
“These clarifications are important because they reinforce the need to protect witnesses, respect due process, and ensure that the search for truth is conducted under proper authority and in accordance with Senate rules,” the post stated.
The so-called “Maleta Boys” are former staff members of resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co. They claimed they delivered kickback money to government officials, senators, and congressmen through a suitcase full of cash.
The AFP denied that four members of the “Maleta Boys” were former soldiers.
Senate
The Senate is a key legislative body in many governments, most notably the United States Senate, which was established in 1789 as the upper chamber of Congress. It was designed to provide equal representation for each state, with two senators per state, and has played a central role in shaping U.S. law, confirming presidential appointments, and ratifying treaties. The term also historically refers to ancient Rome’s Senate, an advisory council that wielded significant political influence during the Roman Republic.
Senate Blue Ribbon Committee
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is a standing committee of the Philippine Senate, officially known as the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations. Its primary function is to investigate alleged misconduct, corruption, and irregularities involving government officials and employees. Established in 1956, the committee has played a significant role in high-profile inquiries, such as the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona and probes into military and police scandals.
Philippine Senate
The Philippine Senate is the upper house of the Congress of the Philippines, established in 1916 under the Jones Law during American colonial rule. It was temporarily abolished under the 1973 Constitution during martial law and restored in 1987 with the current democratic constitution. The Senate plays a key role in lawmaking, with 24 senators elected nationwide to six-year terms.
Senate Blue Ribbon Committee
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is a standing investigative body in the Philippine Senate, officially known as the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations. Established in 1956, it was created to investigate alleged misconduct, corruption, and anomalies in government operations, serving as a key mechanism for legislative oversight. Its most famous investigations include probes into military scandals, electoral fraud, and high-profile corruption cases, often leading to significant political and legal reforms.
