Concerns Arise Over Ombudsman’s Swift Order
MANILA, Philippines — Incoming Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima has raised concerns about the timing of the Office of the Ombudsman’s order for Vice President Sara Duterte to respond to complaints regarding alleged misuse of confidential funds. De Lima questioned the speed of the Ombudsman’s action amid ongoing investigations, highlighting the exact four word keyphrase early in the discussion.
On Friday, the Ombudsman directed Duterte and nine other officials from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education to submit their counter-affidavits. This sudden move has drawn attention, especially considering the slow progress of similar cases involving former President Rodrigo Duterte and his close allies, sources said.
De Lima expressed suspicion during a radio interview, noting, “There’s really room, and there’s reason for concern. Especially on the part of prosecutors, sa impeachment prosecutors.” She pointed out that Ombudsman Samuel Martires, who was appointed by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018, is expected to retire in July this year.
She added that the “swift action” is unusual, saying, “That’s out of character, actually, if you can say that’s how quickly he acted to make VP Sara answer immediately.”
House Recommends Charges Against Duterte Officials
Earlier this month, the House of Representatives adopted a committee report recommending charges against Duterte and several officials from her office. The allegations include technical malversation, falsification and use of falsified documents, perjury, bribery and corruption, plunder, betrayal of public trust, and culpable violation of the Constitution.
Potential Impact on Senate Impeachment Trial
De Lima warned that the Ombudsman’s rapid move could preempt the Senate impeachment court handling Duterte’s trial. She stressed that if the Ombudsman dismisses the case before the Senate convenes, the defense could use this dismissal to weaken the prosecution’s position.
She explained, “The doubt won’t disappear, the suspicion that maybe the plan is that he will act immediately once he gets it, the counter-affidavit has been submitted, and it is not far to dismiss it.”
She further noted, “If that is dismissed, necessarily that would have an effect on the impeachment case at trial. That’s what the defense counsel will mention. There’s a finding of probable cause.”
Background of Duterte’s Impeachment Proceedings
Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives on February 5, with 215 lawmakers signing the complaint citing grounds such as “culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust and graft and corruption.” The Senate began convening as an impeachment court on June 10 to hear the trial.
However, Senator-Judge Alan Peter Cayetano filed a motion to return the articles of impeachment to the House, citing concerns over constitutional safeguards and jurisdiction. The motion was supported by 18 senator-judges, effectively remanding the articles back to the lower chamber.
Opposition to this move came from Senator Risa Hontiveros, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, and administration Senators Grace Poe, Nancy Binay, and Sherwin Gatchalian, local leaders noted.
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