(CNN Philippines) — Maria Cristina Sergio and live-in partner Julius Lacanilao have already executed counter-affidavits denying accusations of illegal recruitment and human trafficking in connection with the case of Mary Jane Veloso, a domestic helper sentenced by an Indonesian court to death by firing squad for smuggling heroin.
Their lawyers from the Public Attorney’s Office are set to file the papers with the Department of Justice on Wednesday afternoon (May 20).
In a handwritten statement shown to media on Monday (May 18), both Sergio and Lacanilao maintained their innocence.
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They also accused media of defaming them, following news about Veloso’s scheduled execution.
Now, they said, it is their turn to tell their side of the story.
“We did not commit estafa,” they said in Filipino. “We just helped Mary Jane.”
In their statement, they said they only lent money to Veloso, who has not paid them back until now.
Related: Veloso’s Indonesian lawyer in PH to gather evidence
They also denied taking a tricycle from Veloso as part of the payment for her trip abroad.
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According to the affidavit, Lacanilao was supposed to accompany Sergio on a round-trip flight to Malaysia. But Lacanilao failed to get his passport. So it was Veloso who went with Sergio instead.
Sergio said that she warned Veloso not to talk to strangers. It was when she left that two men, suspected of being involved with illegal drugs, allegedly talked with Veloso.
Related: Sergio denies links with international drug ring
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She said she believes Veloso was tricked into being a drug mule, but she denied being part of such a scheme.
Related: More allegations vs. Sergio
PAO also released a document stating that Sergio has no properties under her name.
