Notary of 18 ex-Marines says he's a legitimate lawyer

Charlie Pascual, the individual who notarized the affidavit of the alleged 18 former Marines who accused several public officials of receiving cash, on Tuesday said he is a legitimate lawyer.

“Ito po yung pagpapatunay na ako po ay hindi hao siao na abogado. Ako po ay may opisinang notarial,” Pascual  said in an ambush interview after appearing before the National Bureau of Investigation.

(This is to prove that I am not a fake lawyer. I have a notarial office.)

To recall, lawyer Levito Baligod and the 18 ex-Marines accused several individuals of allegedly receiving cash from former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.

The government officials and individuals mentioned have denied the allegations against them, with some filing complaints against the former Marines and other individuals.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy has said that four of the 18 were never members of the Navy nor the Philippine Marine Corps.

Pascual also called on the public to only avail the services of legitimate notary publics.

“Marami po kasing nakikita diyan na nagkalat sa mga kalye,” he said.

(Because there are many that can be seen in the streets.) — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA Integrated News