Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) may investigate affidavits filed by 18 former Marines who claimed to have acted as bagmen for ranking officials if deputized by the Office of the Ombudsman, DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said Friday. In an ambush interview, Martinez stated that the DOJ has not received any directive from the Ombudsman yet.
According to Philippines News Agency, Martinez mentioned that if the Ombudsman decides to deputize the DOJ for conducting an investigation, they are prepared to carry out a preliminary investigation, provided there is an agreement between the Office of the Ombudsman and the DOJ. The investigation would not be limited to this case alone, but would apply generally to any case deemed appropriate by the Ombudsman.
Earlier this week, lawyer Levi Baligod presented the 18 former Marines who allegedly witnessed deliveries of up to PHP805 billion in kickbacks from fraudulent flood control projects to politicians. The group accused President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of masterminding the alleged scheme, a claim that has been denied by Malaca±ang.
Several individuals named in the affidavit have issued denials, while some groups have questioned the timing of the allegations, suggesting they may be politically motivated. The Palace has urged law enforcement to act against those behind what it described as a "lousy script and repeated lies" aimed at damaging Marcos' reputation.
The Philippine Navy clarified that four of the 18 individuals were never in service, while most had been dishonorably discharged.
