The Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday accused lawyer Levi Baligod of delaying the signing of sworn affidavits by former bodyguards and alleged bagmen of former congressman Zaldy Co, saying the postponements have slowed its flood control corruption investigation.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said investigators have completed the affidavits of eight of the 18 witnesses who have appeared before the Ombudsman since 20 June, but the documents have yet to be signed.

According to Clavano, Baligod twice sought extensions to review the affidavits before allowing his clients to sign them.

“In fairness, they cooperate. However, they cannot sign until the affidavit is approved by their lawyer. We understand that because it has to have the conformity of their counsel,” Clavano said.

He said the delay has affected the Ombudsman’s case build-up, particularly against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, as investigators intend to use portions of the testimonies to strengthen their evidence.

Clavano said the repeated requests for more time were difficult to understand because the affidavits were not lengthy and could be reviewed within an afternoon.

He added that the witnesses’ statements also bolstered the Ombudsman’s case against Co.

“The statements are consistent and categorical,” Clavano said. “This is only one part of the evidence we are gathering, but we want to complete this aspect of the investigation.”

Earlier this week, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan would serve as a state witness to strengthen the investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects.