MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman will assess allegations from 18 supposed ex-members of the Philippine Marines that public officials received money from former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, as well as the credibility of those making the claims.

The statement came after lawyer Levi Baligod urged Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to investigate the allegations detailed in a notarized affidavit submitted to the office.

“At this stage, the submission is in the nature of a transmittal of an affidavit and is not yet a verified complaint initiating formal proceedings. [But] consistent with established rules and procedures, the document will undergo the standard evaluation process of the Office,” the Ombudsman said.

“This includes a determination of sufficiency in form and substance, jurisdiction, and the existence of a prima facie basis to proceed, if warranted. As with any matter brought before it, the Office will carefully assess not only the contents of the affidavit but also the credibility of the affiants and the supporting evidence presented,” it added.

The Ombudsman emphasized that their office is not a political instrument.

“Given the breadth of personalities mentioned and the evident political context in which the allegations have surfaced, the Office emphasizes that it cannot and should not be used as a political arena,” the statement said.

“The Ombudsman remains an independent constitutional body guided solely by evidence, law, and due process. The public is assured that the Office of the Ombudsman will act with fairness, objectivity, and professionalism in accordance with its constitutional mandate,” it added.

Baligod submitted the notarized affidavit on Thursday, claiming the 18 supposed Marines were ordered by Co to deliver cash to certain government officials. The alleged ex-Marines were not present during the submission.

In a previous press conference with the supposed ex-Marines, Baligod also alleged that Co and former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV funded hotel accommodations for ICC investigators examining the war on drugs under ex-President Rodrigo Duterte.

The ICC Office of the Prosecutor later denied the claims, stating its activities are funded through the court’s budget. “Its expenses are strictly accounted for through an independent and transparent manner,” the ICC Public Information Unit said in a statement to GMA Integrated News.

Malacañang dismissed the claims as an attempt to discredit the international tribunal, which is conducting confirmation of charges hearings against Duterte in The Hague. Earlier, Senator Imee Marcos also sought an investigation into allegations that cash was allegedly delivered to the house of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Ilocos Norte.

The Palace described the allegations against Marcos as a “lousy script” and “not even worthy of an award.”