KRIS Aquino is standing by her friend, Laguna Representative Marlyn Alonte-Naguiat after the latter was accused of bribing high-profile inmates who testified against Senator Leila de Lima.
Last Friday, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said that Alonte and former senator Jamby Madrigal offered P100 million to New Bilibid Prison (NBP) inmates to retract their statements against De Lima, who is facing charges for her alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade.
Aguirre was quoted describing Alonte as "…kaibigan daw ni Kris Aquino".
The television host, in a post that has been since deleted, said she felt bad that Alonte's name was dragged in the issue just because of the latter's connection to her.
"I feel so bad because Cong. @lenalonte was falsely named by Sec. Aguirre regarding P100M bribery attempt in behalf of Sen. de Lima for inmates because she is 1 of my best friends," she said.
Aquino said they did talk everyday but the topic is usually about her love life.
"Love life ang madalas na pinag-uusapan namin. Adviser ko siya and I trust her. What a price to pay for her because she is one of my best friends," Aquino wrote.
In a separate post, the Queen of All Media also vouched for Alonte's character.
She said the Laguna representative is "hardworking, dedicated, kindhearted, and above everything else, 100 percent committed to public service."
The two have been friends for more than seven years but Aquino said Alonte never used her connection for personal gain.
"Walang benefit at all to her to remain my friend, and yet she has chosen to stay close to me and make me feel like I am her true ATE. MABAIT, MARANGAL, MAPAGKAKATIWALAAN... I respectfully disagree with the unfounded accusations made by Secretary Aguirre,” she ended.
Aguirre said they contemplating filing obstruction of justice charges against Madrigal, Alonte-Naguiat, and lawyer Alvin Herrera.
De Lima was arrested last Friday over drug charges in connection with her alleged involvement in the Bilibid drug trade. (SunStar Philippines)