Manila, Feb. 26 -- The Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday said it will act with fairness and objectivity in handling the allegations supposedly made by the alleged 18 servicemen detailed to the office of former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.

The graft buster's office, however, said it will "not be used as a political arena" amid the 18 individuals' claims that public officials received money from the now fugitive Co.

In a statement, the Ombudsman acknowledged receipt of a transmittal containing a joint affidavit executed by several individuals.

"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," the Ombudsman said in a statement.

It ...