Lawyer of Co ‘bagmen’ asks Ombudsman to investigate 33 lawmakers
Levito “Levi” Baligod, the lawyer representing 18 alleged "bagmen" of former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, has formally asked the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate at least 33 lawmakers—including seven senators and 26 House members—based on the notarized affidavits of his clients, detailing purported money deliveries.
Attorney Levito Baligod, representing 18 alleged 'bagmen' of former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co, formally requested the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate at least 33 lawmakers including seven senators and 26 House members. The request was based on notarized affidavits from his clients detailing purported money deliveries. According to Baligod, the evidence shows that Co provided millions in cash to government officials that did not appear in their Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN), though he clarified they are 'not asserting that this is bribery,' only that the funds were received.
The 18 individuals, described as former soldiers, alleged they delivered P805 million to President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., former Speaker Ferdinand Romualdez, and Co. They also claimed they were directed to exchange $2 million purportedly intended for International Criminal Court investigators, which was subsequently handed over to former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV—allegations the former senator has refuted. The affidavits were submitted to the Ombudsman as potential evidence.
These allegations are connected to broader flood control projects corruption investigations that have been ongoing since 2024. On September 23, 2025, the National Bureau of Investigation recommended filing charges against Senators Jinggoy Villanueva and Joel Estrada, Representative Zaldy Co, former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, and others for indirect bribery and malversation of public funds. The Ombudsman has indicated readiness to proceed with Sandiganbayan filings in connection with these investigations.
Both Malacañang and the ICC Office of the Prosecutor have dismissed the allegations. The International Criminal Court Office of the Prosecutor specifically pushed back against allegations by Baligod and the 18 individuals, stressing their independence. The case represents a significant development in the ongoing investigations into corruption related to government-funded flood management projects in the Philippines.
Join the discussion
What do you think? Drop your thoughts below.