(UPDATED) The KABAYAN Party-list group has apologized for the "irresponsible statements" made by its lower House representative, Harry Roque, against Ombudsman prosecutors.

In an interview on DZMM last January 3, 2016, Roque claimed that the Ombudsman's cases before the Sandiganbayan were dismissed because prosecutors were either incompetent or got paid off.

• READ: Prosecutors challenge Roque: Name those who received bribes

In a letter addressed to Special Prosecutor Wendell Barreras-Sulit, KABAYAN party-list said that Roque's accusations are only his personal opinions and do not reflect the sentiments of the group's members.

The KABAYAN party-list group also reiterated that it "does not support such highly irresponsible behavior of imputing malice to our dedicated and honest public servants as to gain media attention."

The group said it will make Roque explain his statements.

Special Prosecutor Barreras-Sulit welcomed the letter.

"I appreciate the kind gesture of KABAYAN Party-list for sending us a letter of apology," Barreras-Sulit said.

However, Roque remain unfazed and said no one is authorized to make an apology on his behalf.

"I have nothing to apologize for," Roque said in a statement.