The Office of the Ombudsman urged Zaldy to return immediately and submit his sworn statement after taking the oath, rather than sharing it on social media.
"Mr. Zaldy, we respectfully urge you to submit your sworn statement through the proper procedure so that it can be given the serious scrutiny it deserves,"
Previously, Zaldy released a video message revealing that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had ordered the inclusion of 10 billion pesos in the 2025 national budget, which were delivered to Marcos and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The Ombudsman's Office stated that Zaldy did not reveal the truth through formal procedures, but instead chose to release information through social media and public videos.
"We say this without bias or hostility, but with deep frustration, whenever a witness chooses the stage over the oath, the investigation is forced to pause to verify, filter what was said and what was not," said the Ombudsman.
Remulla emphasized that unlike the court of public opinion, the Ombudsman's Office must assess witnesses, cross-examine each allegation, and test credibility rigorously rather than emotionally, which protects the public from lies and innocent people from unjust harm.
"So the question is simple: why does Mr. Co think his statement will be believed, while all other witnesses must undergo scrutiny?"
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848857452239305/
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