The Office of the Ombudsman has assured that it will exercise fairness, objectivity, and professionalism in handling the joint affidavit turned over on Thursday, Feb. 26, by 18 former marines who reportedly delivered P805 billion in flood control “kickbacks” to several high-ranking government officials.

In a statement, the Ombudsman said: “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."

Thus, it said that consistent with established rules and procedures, the document will undergo the standard evaluation process of the office.

The evaluation includes a determination of sufficiency in form and substance, jurisdiction, and the existence of a prima facie basis to proceed, if warranted, it added.

It pointed out that since there are a lot of high-profile personalities involved, it will carefully assess not only the contents of the affidavit, but also the credibility of the affiants and the supporting evidence they presented.

It said: "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 Ombudsman remains an independent constitutional body guided solely by evidence, law, and due process."

After the turnover of the affidavits, lawyer Levi Baligod, the legal counsel of the 18 ex-marines, said his clients want the government officials named to be charged with violations of Republic Act No. 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and R.A. No. 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The basis of the affidavit, Baligod explained, stemmed from the "millions" the government officials received that were not indicated in their statement of assets liability and net worth (SALNs).