Metro Manila, Philippines – Seven senators and 26 representatives, with officials from the Bureau of Corrections and the Department of Agriculture, were named in an affidavit submitted to the ombudsman by 18 former marine officers, said anti-corruption lawyer Levi Baligod.

Baligod told the media on Thursday, Feb. 25, that the affidavit cites violations to the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

“Ni-refer sa ombudsman para magkaroon lamang ng prima facie proof na merong offense nang na commit at ang mga pinangalanan doon ay maaring guilty sa mga offenses na ito,” Baligod told the media on Thursday, Feb. 25.

[Translation: The affidavit was referred to the ombudsman to have prima facie proof that there were offenses committed and those named may be found guilty.]

“Ang basehan po namin ay tumanggap sila ng milyon milyon na pera pero hindi napakita yan sa kanilang SALN,” the lawyer said.

[Translation: Our basis is that they received millions and millions of money, but that was not shown in their statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth.]

Baligod said investigations might reveal possible issues of malversation and bribery.

A statement from the Office of the Ombudsman said the joint affidavit has been acknowledged and will be assessed based on its “sufficiency in form and substance, jurisdiction, and the existence of a prima facie basis to proceed, if warranted.”

A supposed sworn affidavit has circulated on social media but there was no mention of the source and whether or not this was the copy filed with the ombudsman.

NewsWatch Plus has reached out to Baligod for a copy of the affidavit.