'Ex-Marines' affidavit witness: I don't attest to truth of statements

A religious leader has clarified his role and knowledge in signing as witness in the affidavit of 18 supposed former members of the Philippine Marines, who claimed that they distributed cash to several politicians upon the instruction of former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co. 

In a Facebook post on Friday, Bishop Efraim Tendero, a former secretary general of The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), recalled that two days before his flight to the US, he was asked "to be a witness to the signing of a sworn statement by 18 men who were enlisted personnel of the Philippine Military before a notary public."

Tendero was referring to the notarized affidavit submitted by the 18 individuals, introduced as ex-Marines to the Ombudsman through their lawyer, Levito Baligod.

The 18 individuals claimed they served as bagmen who delivered suitcases filled with cash to various politicians and personalities.

"I confirm that I witnessed the 18 soldiers appear before the notary public, and the signing process took place," Tendero said.

However, Tendero clarified that "I do not know the group personally," noting that "they reached out to me as a religious leader who champions the call for transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance."

Tendero added that "as a witness, I don't attest to the accuracy or truth of the statements made." 

"I only confirm the signing process was legitimate."

Former Anakalusugan party-list representative Mike Defensor had admitted helping the 18 supposed ex-Marines, but denied his hand in their affidavit. 

Baligod, who initially admitted in a radio interview that he made a mistake by including ML party-list Representative Leila de Lima as one of the recipients of money from former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co, reverted to the initial allegation made by the supposed former Marines that she was involved.

The lawyer and the supposed ex-Marines also claimed delivering cash to the house of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in Ilocos Norte.

"The responsibility for the veracity of the document's content lies with those who gave their sworn statements," Tendero said.

Those named in the affidavit already denied allegations, with Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro calling it a lousy script, if not delusion and downright lies.

"In signing as a witness, I did so in my personal capacity as a citizen of the Philippines. I am not representing WEA or PCEC (Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches) in any way. However, I recognize that I can't dissociate my person from my public positions, and for that I humbly apologize for any misunderstanding my action may have caused," Tendero said.

Earlier this week, the Office of the Ombudsman said it would evaluate the allegations made by 18 supposed ex-Marines that public officials received money from Co, as well as the credibility of those who made the allegations. — VDV, GMA Integrated News