FORMER Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers on Thursday dismissed the circulating “unsigned affidavit” tied to the so-called 18 former Marines’ allegations as a manufactured story meant to smear names, challenging lawyer Levi Baligod and the men he represents to put their claims on the line through proper signatures and notarization before asking the public to treat their accusations seriously.
“To Attorney Levi Baligod: If what your companions are saying is true and if you stand on their statements, then have them sign their affidavit and have it notarized para hindi mag-mukhang script ng isang drama skit sa barangay. Pirmahan niyo,” Barbers, the lead chair of the Quad Comm during the 19th Congress, said.
“You should have known from the start that an unsigned affidavit is just a scrap of paper. As their lawyer, you should have been diligent and thorough enough sa tulong mo sa kanila by having it signed and notarized para naman paniwalaan ka nila na crusader ka at hindi lang ‘ambulance chaser,’” he added.
The remarks come following a press conference of Baligod with 18 Marines where the group claimed they delivered cash in suitcases allegedly linked to public officials, a claim that has triggered denials from several people named and counter-claims from groups who see the timing as politically motivated.
In Congress, House leaders and three former Makabayan bloc lawmakers publicly described the allegations as diversionary and questioned why such an “unsigned statement” surfaced at a moment when the country was also watching developments tied to former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s ICC proceedings and Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment track.
Barbers echoed that credibility gap, pressing the accusers to own their claims in a way that can be tested, contested and weighed through proper proceedings, especially because allegations of this scale, once released into public space, carry consequences for reputations and institutions.
“Are you all afraid of the legal consequences from the people you accused, that’s why you opted not to sign?” Barbers asked.
“Panis ‘yung script ninyo. Zarzuela lang ito para makapanira ng mga tao,” he continued.
The former lawmaker also took a sharp swipe at the men presented as former Marines, questioning their motives and implying their public posture looks more like a paid operation than a principled stand.
“What kind of soldiers are you? Are you even soldiers? It seems you are just mercenaries out to make a buck,” Barbers said.
