MANILA — The lawyer of 18 individuals tagged as alleged former bagmen of former lawmaker Zaldy Co said that Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and his wife, actress Sharon Cuneta, may file a case against them after their photo was included in a presentation during a press briefing.

In a report, it said that in an ambush interview, lawyer Levito Baligod said the couple could take legal action if they felt they were maligned by the use of their image.

“Kung sa tingin ni Senator Kiko and si Ms. Sharon they were insulted or maligned by the presentation of their pictures, so be it ano, mag-file sila ng kaso,” Baligod said.

He said the image was included by staff who prepared the presentation, but declined to identify those responsible.

“Wag na ako mag-ascribe kung sino nagkamali doon,” he added.

Baligod also declined to confirm or deny whether deliveries were made to the couple, saying he could not yet respond to the matter.

“I cannot answer that for now,” he said.

He stressed that his refusal to comment was not intended to mislead and said the group is ready to respond if a complaint is filed.

Baligod and the 18 individuals were at the Department of Justice for the continuation of the preliminary investigation into cyberlibel complaints filed against them. He said the complaints have already been submitted for resolution.

“Ito na ‘yung last day ng preliminary investigation. Pagkatapos nito ay dedesisyonan na ng panel of prosecutors ‘yung complaints laban sa amin,” he said.

The development comes after a photo showing Pangilinan and Cuneta with alleged associates of Co was displayed during a press conference involving the 18 individuals. Cuneta earlier called those behind the presentation of the photo liars.