NBI receives sworn statements alleging Baligod influenced selection of lawmakers in PDAF probe

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Thursday it has received sworn statements from two state witnesses alleging that lawyer Levito Baligod played a role in influencing the identification of lawmakers to be included in succeeding phases of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam investigation. The affidavits, submitted by Marina Sula and Mary Arlene Baltazar—both under the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Witness Protection Program—were transmitted to the Office of the NBI Director through counsel following recent public remarks attributed to Baligod regarding his involvement in the high-profile plunder cases. In their sworn statements, the witnesses alleged that Baligod participated in discussions and processes that influenced which lawmakers would be identified and included in subsequent phases of the PDAF scam probe. They said they executed the affidavits to clarify what they described as inaccurate public claims and to place on record their account of events during the investigation. Sula and Baltazar also disputed Baligod’s earlier claim that he resigned as counsel for whistleblower Benhur Luy in 2014 because of alleged disagreements over “selective prosecution.” According to the witnesses, they did not observe any conflict between the DOJ and the NBI in the handling of the cases. They further alleged that Baligod’s legal representation of Luy and Merlina Suñas was terminated rather than voluntarily withdrawn, contrary to earlier public statements suggesting that he stepped down in protest over prosecutorial decisions. The PDAF scam involves allegations that congressional discretionary funds were funneled through bogus non-government organizations, making it one of the country’s largest corruption scandals. The NBI said the sworn statements have been officially received and will form part of the case records for evaluation under existing rules and procedures. “The Bureau remains committed to the impartial investigation of cases based solely on evidence, sworn testimony, and due process,” NBI Director Melvin Matibag said. Authorities did not provide further details on whether the new affidavits would affect ongoing proceedings, but stressed that all submissions would be assessed as part of the continuing review of evidence in the PDAF cases.

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