One day after Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano revealed that the affidavits of the eight supposed bagmen of former congressman Zaldy Co remained unsigned, Atty. Levito Baligod along with his clients accomplished what was supposedly delayed since 20 June.

In a message to reporters, Baligod confirmed that the testimonies of the eight bodyguards that were already interviewed by the Ombudsman were reviewed and signed.

“The signing of the affidavits of the eight initial witnesses is done,” his message read.

Aside from affirming the status of the testimonies of the first batch of bagmen, Baligod mentioned that the 10 remaining individuals from his group were still pending a formal interview under the investigators of the anti-graft body.

On Thursday, 2 July, Clavano sought to inform the public that the lack of signatures on the affidavits of the bagmen were causing a delay in their case buildup against Co and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez linked to the multibillion peso flood control scandal.

The official noted that Baligod had asked for an extension twice as the latter was supposedly tending to other concerns unrelated to the matter.

“In fairness, they cooperate, however, when it comes to the signing, they can not sign until the affidavit was signed by their lawyer. And we understand that, of course, it always has to have the conformity of their lawyers,” he said.

Clavano further mentioned that the testimonies of the eight supposed aides were “consistent and categorical” when it came to allegations against both Co and Romualdez.

To recall, the 18 supposed bodyguards had mentioned through several public appearances that they were allegedly responsible for delivering cash-filled luggages to numerous incumbent and former public officials.

The claims, however, remain relatively unverified, receiving both heavy criticism and stern opposition from the accused.