UPDATED | Attorney Charlie Pascual appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation-Special Action Unit on Tuesday in connection with an affidavit allegedly notarized by him on behalf of 18 self-identified former Philippine Marines, as reported by RH Jecelle Ricafort.

Pascual is among those subpoenaed by NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag as part of the bureau’s probe into claims made by the alleged ex-Marines.

The ex-Marines, their lawyer Atty. Levi Baligod, and former Congressman Mike Defensor are expected to appear at the NBI on Thursday.

Baligod and the former Marines accused several government officials of receiving large cash deliveries from Zaldy Co., a key figure in the multi-billion-peso flood control scandal.

The group claimed the total cash involved exceeded P800 billion, allegedly including payments to President Bongbong Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Defensor earlier acknowledged assisting the former Marines but denied having any involvement in the preparation of their affidavit.

‘HINDI AKO HAO XIAO’

This is what Attorney Pascual insisted during his NBI appearance. In an ambush interview, he said the affidavit was not ordinary but that he verified the identities of the alleged ex-Marines.

"Ako po ay may opisina ng notarial office po. Yan nga po, kaya in-urge ko rin po ang public na sana po sa mga ganitong act, pumunta po kayo sa valid na legal na notary public."

In addition to being documented, the ex-Marines confirmed that their sworn statements were given voluntarily, Pascual said.

"We are officers of the court, so we have to protect the public interest about this public document."

After being served with a subpoena, Pascual appeared at the NBI to provide clarifications and submit documents proving his legitimacy as a lawyer.