Manila: The Office of the Ombudsman has indicated a willingness to explore further the allegations made by the purported former bodyguards of fugitive lawmaker Zaldy Co in connection with the flood control controversy.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lawyer Karen Batu from the Office of the Ombudsman stated that the claims must be substantiated with individual affidavits that detail each witness's personal knowledge of the events. During a consultative meeting held by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, Batu highlighted that the joint affidavit provided by the group was insufficient to advance the allegations into a formal investigation.
Batu explained that the Ombudsman has requested the group's attorney to submit individual sworn statements, as the joint affidavit failed to clearly delineate what each member personally knew or witnessed. When questioned by Sen. Bam Aquino, Batu confirmed the need for individual affidavits from the former bodyguards, emphasizing that not all members could make identical claims if only some were present during specific incidents.
Aquino noted that the Ombudsman's actions indicate the allegations are being taken seriously, but they must undergo the proper procedural steps to assess their evidentiary value. Batu affirmed that should the individual affidavits meet the required form and substance, the case might proceed to a preliminary investigation.
Batu further mentioned that if the submissions remain inadequate for a preliminary investigation, the Ombudsman may refer the matter to its field investigation office for a fact-finding mission.
National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag disclosed that investigators had also requested separate statements from the former bodyguards, which they declined to sign. Matibag stressed the necessity of individual affidavits to establish each witness's personal recollections rather than relying on a collective account.
DOJ Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon informed the committee that 14 flood control-related cases had been submitted to the Department of Justice for preliminary investigation as of June 5. He reported that 13 cases had been resolved and forwarded to the Ombudsman for approval, while the remaining case was pending final review.
Fadullon also noted that some cases have been filed in the appropriate courts. Additionally, he reported the recovery of PHP841.38 million in public funds, which had been transferred to the Land Bank of the Philippines, and mentioned that seven individuals are under the DOJ's Witness Protection Program.
