The Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday said the lawyer of the alleged former bagmen of former congressman Zaldy Co has repeatedly delayed the signing of sworn affidavits prepared under the supervision of state investigators.

During a press conference, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the agency had already furnished copies of the affidavits to the witnesses after obtaining testimonies from eight of the 18 individuals who appeared before investigators beginning 20 June.

However, Clavano said the group's lawyer, Atty. Levi Baligod, twice requested extensions to review the affidavits before allowing his clients to sign them, delaying their formal use as evidence.

"In fairness, they are cooperating. However, they cannot sign until the affidavit has been reviewed by their lawyer. And we understand that, of course, because it has to have the conformity of their lawyer," Clavano said.

He acknowledged the witnesses' cooperation but said the repeated delays have affected the Ombudsman's case build-up, particularly its investigation involving former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

According to Clavano, portions of the witnesses' testimonies are expected to strengthen the agency's evidence.

He also questioned the length of the review process, noting that the affidavits were not lengthy and could have been read within an afternoon.

Aside from Romualdez, Clavano said the statements of the alleged former bagmen also helped strengthen the Ombudsman's case against Co.

Asked how investigators reached that conclusion, Clavano said the testimonies were "consistent and categorical" regarding both individuals.

"It's part of the whole. We are looking at a lot of leads. This is just one piece of evidence. But just the same, we want to get this done so that this aspect of the case can be finished," he said.

On 29 June, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan would serve as a state witness in the agency's investigation into the alleged multibillion-peso flood control anomaly.