By Benjamin Pulta
MANILA – The Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday said it will act with fairness and objectivity in handling the allegations supposedly made by the alleged 18 servicemen detailed to the office of former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.
The graft buster’s office, however, said it will “not be used as a political arena” amid the 18 individuals’ claims that public officials received money from the now fugitive Co.
In a statement, the Ombudsman acknowledged receipt of a transmittal containing a joint affidavit executed by several individuals.
“At this stage, the submission is in the nature of a transmittal of an affidavit and is not yet a verified complaint initiating formal proceedings,” the Ombudsman said in a statement.
It said the document will undergo the standard evaluation process to determine sufficiency in form, substance, jurisdiction, and the existence of a prima facie basis to proceed, if warranted.
“Given the breadth of personalities mentioned and the evident political context in which the allegations have surfaced, the Office emphasizes that it cannot and should not be used as a political arena,” the Ombudsman said.
The Office of the Ombudsman said it remains an independent constitutional body guided solely by evidence, law and due process.
“Accordingly, as with any matter brought before it, the Office will carefully assess not only the contents of the affidavit but also the credibility of the affiants and the supporting evidence presented,” it said.
“The public is assured that the Office of the Ombudsman will act with fairness, objectivity, and professionalism in accordance with its constitutional mandate,” it added.
The 18 soldiers were presented by lawyer Levi Baligod in a press conference on Tuesday, claiming they have delivered PHP805 billion in cash to public officials from anomalous flood control projects.
Baligod and the alleged members of the Philippine Marine Corps claimed President Ferdinand R. Marcos was the mastermind behind the alleged flood control corruption schemes.
Malacañang has called on law enforcement agencies to take appropriate steps against individuals behind a “lousy script and repeated lies” intended to taint the President’s reputation. (PNA)
