Affidavits executed by 18 self-identified former soldiers regarding the alleged delivery of cash in suitcases were formally submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday.
This was confirmed by Atty. Levi Baligod, legal counsel of the former servicemen, following the filing. According to Baligod, they submitted signed and notarized copies of the affidavits. Of the 18 individuals, two were previously connected with the Philippine Army, while 16 were former members of the Philippine Marine Corps.
Baligod explained that the documents were filed with the Ombudsman because only the anti-graft body has the authority to receive and assess documents containing such allegations against public officials.
He clarified, however, that what they submitted was not yet a formal complaint but merely a referral. The purpose, he said, was to allow the Ombudsman to determine whether there is prima facie evidence that certain government officials may have violated existing laws.
Among the possible violations cited were Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act; Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees; as well as possible offenses of malversation and bribery.
The lawyer declined to publicly identify the officials they want investigated. However, he revealed that the affidavits named seven senators and 26 members of the House of Representatives.
The 18 former soldiers previously surfaced and spoke publicly about the alleged delivery of cash in suitcases. They echoed earlier revelations made before the Senate by Orly Guteza, who alleged that millions of pesos were delivered to the residences of several high-ranking government officials.
