Former Anakalusugan Party-list Representative Mike Defensor expressed support for the ongoing investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman into claims made by 18 alleged former soldiers who said they delivered kickbacks from questionable infrastructure projects.
Defensor highlighted the significance of Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla’s acknowledgment of a photo cited in the affidavit, reportedly taken during the term of former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.
“First of all, nagpapasalamat ako na lumabas na nagsalita si Ombudsman Remulla about it. Kasi ‘di ba it’s a recognition na may ganoong nangyayari,” Defensor said in a television interview.
He added: “Ang nakuha kong statement niya, may isa raw picture, from all the pictures that are part of the affidavit. Sabi niya ‘may isa roon, 2022, panahon pa ni Lord Velasco.’ Nagpapasalamat (ako) na… there’s a recognition na may nangyayari talagang ganoon.”
Earlier, Remulla told reporters that investigators believed the inclusion of the photo in the affidavit may have been a “manipulation of facts,” suggesting that the timeline connected to the alleged transaction could have been altered.
Defensor clarified that he was not attempting to prove the allegations but was urging authorities to hear the witnesses and review the evidence they presented.
“Hindi naman ako out to prove kung ano ang tama o mali. Ang importante sa akin mapakinggan nila ‘yung (mga dating sundalo), matingnan nila ‘yung ebidensya,” he said.
“Actually wala namang sinabing crime ‘yung (grupo). Ang sinabi lang ‘nag-deliver kami ng pera,’” he added.
The group of former soldiers earlier claimed they had served as security personnel for former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co and allegedly helped deliver billions of pesos in kickbacks to certain government officials.