Manila: The Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday said it will act with fairness and objectivity in handling the allegations supposedly made by the alleged 18 servicemen detailed to the office of former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co. The graft buster's office, however, emphasized that it will 'not be used as a political arena' amid the 18 individuals' claims that public officials received money from the now fugitive Co.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Ombudsman acknowledged receipt of a transmittal containing a joint affidavit executed by several individuals. The submission is currently in the nature of a transmittal and is not yet a verified complaint that would initiate formal proceedings.

The Ombudsman stated that the document will undergo the standard evaluation process to determine sufficiency in form, substance, jurisdiction, and the existence of a prima facie basis to proceed, if warranted. The office underscored that it cannot and should not be used as a political arena given the breadth of personalities mentioned and the evident political context in which the allegations have surfaced.

The Office of the Ombudsman highlighted its role as an independent constitutional body guided solely by evidence, law, and due process. It assured that it would carefully assess not only the contents of the affidavit but also the credibility of the affiants and the supporting evidence presented. The public has been assured that the Ombudsman will act with fairness, objectivity, and professionalism in accordance with its constitutional mandate.

The 18 soldiers were presented by lawyer Levi Baligod in a press conference on Tuesday, claiming they have delivered PHP805 billion in cash to public officials from anomalous flood control projects. Baligod and the alleged members of the Philippine Marine Corps claimed President Ferdinand R. Marcos was the mastermind behind the alleged flood control corruption schemes.

Malaca±ang has responded by calling on law enforcement agencies to take appropriate steps against individuals behind what it described as a 'lousy script and repeated lies' intended to taint the President's reputation.