Martires upset over report that wealth went up by P15M in five months as Ombudsman

Ombudsman Samuel Martires on Thursday took exception to a news report, which said that his wealth went up by P15 million during his first five months as Ombudsman.

Martires was referring to a story on his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth, a copy of which he released to the media based on a proper request.

“The story said I was richer by P15 million as Ombudsman, there’s an innuendo from the editor that I am corrupt, that I earned P3 million a month for five months," Martires told reporters.

"The same newspaper did not say that I just retired from the judiciary, kaya may kaunti akong nakuhang halaga,” he added.

Martires said that he was tempted to file complaints for libel in different courts around the country.

“Walang ni isang pako sa aking bahay na galing sa corruption. Wala akong tinanggap na kahit isang sentimo mula noong nasa RTC (regional trial court) pa ako," Martires said.

"I was tempted to file a case, in Samar, San Pablo, Laguna, Ilocos Norte, Baguio City, paiikot-ikutin ko sana ang tumbong ng editor na ‘yun,” he added.

Martires said he eventually decided to take it in stride because the Ombudsman should not be onion-skinned.

“Anong saysay kung magagalit ako? Dapat magpakita ako ng ehemplo na ang Ombudsman ay hindi benggatibo,” Martires said.

“Kaya mga kaibigan sa media, mahal ko pa rin kayo. ‘Yung mga reporters, hindi ko kayo sinisisi,” he added. —NB, GMA News