Baligod: 1 of 18 ‘ex-bodyguards’ goes to Ombudsman for fact finding
MANILA, Philippines — One of the “18 ex-bodyguards” of former congressman Zaldy Co went to the Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday as part of its fact finding on the flood control probe.
Their counsel, Levito Baligod said Johnny Buduan appeared there upon the “invitation” of Assistant Ombudsman retired Gen. Eliseo “Ely” Cruz.
READ: Ombudsman to continue interview of 18 Zaldy Co ‘bodyguards’
Buduan is among those who introduced themselves as alleged ex-bagmen of former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Co, who also claimed to have delivered P805 billion in alleged kickbacks from anomalous flood control projects to several personalities.
“Johnny Buduan was first to be invited, then we will continue the process onwards,” Baligod said in an ambush interview.
Baligod said the anti-graft body has invited one witness per day, with the next appearance slated on June 15 and 16.
The one-on-one arrangement came after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla ordered the 18 personalities to produce individual affidavits. Baligod said they will comply with this directive.
“That’s what we’ll do,” Baligod said of Remulla’s order. “That is the correct process.”
READ: Ombudsman wants ‘unique perspective’ of each of 18 ‘ex-Marines’
In February, Baligod had only submitted a single joint affidavit which bore the signature of the 18 personalities, according to Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano.
READ: Lawyer of Co ‘bagmen’ asks Ombudsman to investigate 33 lawmakers
Clavano said “it’s too early to tell” when asked if the fact finding involving the 18 personalities would lead to criminal cases that could be filed in the courts.
“Let’s allow the investigators to gather as much information as they can before making any conclusions,” Clavano told reporters. /das
