A 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 whom the Ombudsman had already interviewed 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 formal interviews with investigators of the anti-graft body.

On Thursday, 2 July, Clavano sought to inform the public that the lack of signatures on the bagmen’s affidavits was delaying their case buildup against Co and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is linked to the multibillion-peso flood control scandal.

Lawyers must conform

The official noted that Baligod had requested an extension twice, as the latter was supposedly attending to other concerns unrelated to the matter.

“In fairness, they cooperate; however, when it comes to the signing, they can not sign until their lawyer signs the affidavit. 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.