Ombudsman confirms receipt of ex-Marines joint affidavit

Assistant Ombudsman Atty. Mico Clavano on Thursday confirmed the receipt of a transmittal containing a joint affidavit by several individuals.

“The Office of the Ombudsman acknowledges 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,” said Clavano.

Clavano said, consistent with established rules and procedures, the document will undergo the standard evaluation process of the Office.

This includes a determination of sufficiency in form and 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, said Clavano adding, the Ombudsman 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,” said Clavano.

He assured the public that the Office of the Ombudsman will act with fairness, objectivity, and professionalism in accordance with its constitutional mandate.

The response of Clavano was in connection with the call of Baligod to investigate allegations of ex-Marines of cash delivery to some personalities.

The lawyer on Thursday urged the Office of the Ombudsman y to conduct investigation on the allegations of 18 personalities who were introduced as supposed ex-Marines that Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co instructed them to deliver cash to various individuals. 

The lawyer said the Ombudsman can now act on the allegations since he already submitted their notarized affidavit.

Baligod said they went to the Office of the Ombudsman since the said office has a primary jurisdiction to investigate government officials allegedly involved in corruption.

He was not accompanied by the supposed 18 former Marines when their affidavit was brought to the Office of the Ombudsman.

“We are here to present a prima facie proof that an offense has been committed by the people named in the affidavit. These offenses include, graft, violations of RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) prohibiting public officials from receiving gifts. Our basis is that they accepted millions of money but it was not reflected in their SALN,” said Baligod.