Baligod submits marines’ affidavit to Ombudsman

Atty. Levito “Levi” Baligod said he submitted on Thursday, 26 February 2026, the joint affidavit of 18 former marines to the Office of the Ombudsman, elevating allegations of corruption and claims linked to the International Criminal Court.

The move came two days after Baligod publicly claimed he possessed evidence alleging that certain politicians received large sums of money delivered in briefcases.

Baligod said he chose to file the complaint with the Ombudsman, arguing that other government institutions were not appropriate venues at this stage.

“Ang sabi ko nga wala tayong choice eh, hindi ko naman puwedeng dalhin sa DOJ, hindi ko rin puwedeng dalhin sa senado, sa kongreso or sa RTC kaagad. Walang ibang ahensya ng gobyerno,” he said.

Several political figures earlier denied the accusations. Among those who rejected the claims was former senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV, who disputed allegations linking him to supposed funding arrangements.

In a statement posted on social media, Trillanes described the allegations as false and said he would pursue legal remedies.

“This is an attempt to discredit the ongoing ICC proceedings against Duterte. I will be filing cyberlibel cases against Levi Baligod, Mike Defensor, Jay Sonza, the 18 ex-soldiers, and all those who are maliciously circulating this blatant lie,” the post read.

Baligod, a lawyer previously involved in Priority Development Assistance Fund related cases, denied accusations that he was being financed to spread disinformation and challenged critics to present proof.

“Normal na akusahan nila ako ng kung ano-ano, na may nag-pondo sa akin, eh puwede rin naman ilabas nila yung ebidensya nila na ako’y pinopondohan,” Baligod said.

He said he first communicated with the former marines in October and claimed others had information but declined to execute sworn statements.

Baligod added that the marines decided to make their affidavit public following personal circumstances cited by one of the affiants earlier this year.

The lawyer said he recommended that the Office of the Ombudsman evaluate possible violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.