Manila: The retraction of four witnesses, who claimed they delivered suitcases containing cash to Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, showed the existence of schemes aimed at damaging personalities, Malaca±ang said Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro declined to give further comment on the recantations, saying the matter is now under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Ombudsman. She mentioned that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had also been the target of what she described as fabricated and damaging allegations from individuals linked to 'Duterte supporters.'

Castro commented, 'Marami nakakaramdam na parte ito ng plano ni [former lawmaker] Mike Defensor at ibang kasamahan nya para sa isang destabilisasyon (Many perceive this as part of a destabilization plot orchestrated by Mike Defensor and his associates).' She emphasized her role as a spokesperson for President Marcos Jr., urging citizens not to fall prey to schemes that could tarnish the reputations of innocent people.

She added that any findings involving the so-called "Maleta Boys" in connection with Romualdez and other individuals mentioned in the allegations are now with the Ombudsman. Four of the 18 individuals, who identified themselves as former bodyguards of fugitive party-list representative Zaldy Co, withdrew their claims that they delivered suitcases containing money to Romualdez.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla previously stated that the four may be included as respondents in the cases as 'accessories after the fact.'