Morales: Paolo Duterte subject of pending probe at Ombudsman

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has revealed that resigned Davao City vice mayor Paolo Duterte is the subject of her office's preliminary investigation.

Morales revealed the investigation on the former vice mayor when asked in a forum on justice and integrity on Tuesday for updates on the ongoing probe against President Rodrigo Duterte over his alleged ill-gotten wealth which she said had been dismissed.

"I was told that the investigation respecting his unexplained wealth has been closed and terminated. When you say closed and terminated, that is without prejudice to another investigation if warranted," Morales said, also seeking confirmation from Deputy Ombudsman for Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices Cyril Ramos who was in the audience.

She said, however, that there is a "pending" probe at the Ombudsman against a member of the First Family.

When prodded, Morales said: "Sabi nila 'yung vice mayor."

She replied "yes" when asked if she was referring to the younger Duterte.

Morales said all documents pertaining to Paolo's investigation no longer pass through her office following her recusal on cases involving the First Family.

"Nag-inhibit na ako sa cases nila. They are no longer referring any action papers, any orders, anything. Alam na nila na as far as they are concerned, hindi na ako mag-participate. Even when the President was a mayor, nag-inhibit na ako, in writing," Morales said.

Attorney Manases Carpio, husband of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, is the nephew of Morales.

President Duterte's spokesperson, Harry Roque Jr., has yet to respond to GMA News Online's request for reaction.

Criminal, admin cases

Based on a list obtained by reporters from the Ombudsman, there are five cases docketed under the name of the former vice mayor, including graft, forfeiture, perjury, violation of the code of conduct for public officials, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The list dated January 12, 2018 stated the docket numbers of the cases of Paolo, but not where the charges stemmed from.

Paolo resigned as vice mayor of his father's hometown on December 25, 2017 out of "delicadeza" after his name was dragged in the smuggling of P6.4-billion worth of shabu and his spat with his 17-year-old daughter, Isabelle, became public. 

His name was mentioned during the fact-finding stage of the drug smuggling case where former Immigration deputy commissioners Al Argosino and Michael Robles are the main accused. —ALG/KG, GMA News