Ombudsman may deputize DOJ to investigate complaint by ex-Marines

The Office of the Ombudsman may deputize the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate the affidavit filed by 18 supposed former Marines accusing several officials and personalities of receiving money from former lawmaker Zaldy Co, Justice Department spokesperson Polo Martinez said Friday.

In an ambush interview, Martinez said the DOJ has a standing memorandum of agreement with the Ombudsman. 

“So if the Ombudsman deems it proper to deputize us for the conduct of investigation of any case, hindi lang po ito no, that applies generally, then yes of course we will conduct the PI, as long as may agreement po ang Office of the Ombudsman at ang DOJ,” he said.

On Thursday, the former Marines, through their lawyer, submitted their notarized affidavit to the Ombudsman.

However, Martinez said there is no such coordination or discussion with the Ombudsman yet.

“We will have to wait and see,” Martinez said.

According to lawyer Levito Baligod, cash deliveries amounted to P805 billion to some public officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Marcos previously denied allegations linking him to the scheme.

A number of personalities mentioned by the former Marines have also since denied the allegations against them. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News