Ombudsman to continue interview of 18 Zaldy Co ‘bodyguards’

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman said their teams will continue their interview on Thursday with the “18 bodyguards” who were alleged to be bagmen of former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said this is part of the anti-graft body’s fact-finding process.

“The team is ready to continue the interviews with them,” he told reporters.

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These personalities claimed to have delivered P805 billion in alleged kickbacks from anomalous flood control projects to several others.

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They claimed to have delivered suitcases of cash to several lawmakers, including former House Speaker Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, who is the subject of the ongoing investigation of the anti-graft body.

Romualdez, who is barred from leaving the country and had his assets frozen due to the Ombudsman complaint, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

Asked if the interview had something to do with their complaint against Romualdez, Clavano said: “These types of details are considered confidential under our rules for fact-finding.”

“Suffice to say, the teams will listen to everything they have to say and decipher which ones can be used and which ones lack credibility or supporting evidence,” he said. /das /atm

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