Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 3) — Ombudsman chair Conchita Carpio Morales on Tuesday said she will continue performing her duties despite President Rodrigo Durterte’s remarks against her office.
“I will not be baited into abandoning my constitutional duties. If the President has charges against me, I am prepared to answer the charges against him in the same manner,” Morales said in a statement.
This follows Duterte’s statement that he will form a commission to investigate the Ombudsman for alleged partiality and corruption.
He also challenged Morales, whom Duterte accused of selective justice, to resign with him, along with Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.
“As public officials, we have sworn to uphold the rule of law. We should as well, serve with honor, honesty, and decency,” Morales added.
Duterte’s remarks were in response to Overall Deputy Ombudsman Arthur Carandang’s statement that he received a report from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) supposedly revealing a cash flow worth P1 billion in the President’s bank accounts.
The AMLC, however, denied providing reports to the Ombudsman on the matter.
Carandang earlier confirmed the office is conducting a probe on Duterte’s wealth over a plunder complaint filed by Senator Antonio Trillanes during the 2016 presidential campaign.
Carandang is also facing administrative charges for alleged corruption and betrayal of public trust.
Morales has delegated cases involving the Duterte family to Carandang after inhibiting herself, as she is the aunt of Manases Carpio, the husband of Presidential daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.
Under the Constitution, the Ombudsman is an independent office tasked to probe into public authorities and take appropriate actions against them if found erring or committing crimes against the public.
