‘Bakit ako mag-i-inhibit? I’m not a coward,’ Morales says

To take no part in the investigation of the deadly Mamasapano massacre is for cowards, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales told her critics on Friday.

"Bakit ako mag-i-inhibit, on what ground? I'm not a coward," Morales said in an interview with reporters.

The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption earlier criticized Morales on what it considers as downgraded charges against former President Benigno Aquino III in connection with the ill-fated police operation dubbed as Oplan Exodus. 

Morales had recommended the filing of graft and usurpation of authority against Aquino for his alleged oversight of the police operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao which killed over 60 people, including 44 members of the elite PNP-Special Action Force. 

The VACC has a pending motion for reconsideration on the recommendation of multiple homicide against Aquino. 

Aquino, on the other hand, has filed a motion for the Ombudsman to drop the charges.

Aquino's co-accused in the case are former Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima and former SAF Director Getulio Napenas.

Morales said the charges against them is based on evidence gathered by Ombudsman investigators. "I am not listening to anybody, I go by [the] evidence."

She also addressed her other critics, inviting them to take her "thankless job" as the Ombudsman.

"Marami bumabatikos sa'kin, akala mo kung sino sila. Kayo na maging Ombudsman. It's a thankless job," Morales said.

Ombudsman never silenced

In her speech at an anti-corruption symposium, Morales said the Ombudsman "can never be silenced" amid all the criticisms she and her office are facing, saying "they can attempt to repress the messenger, but they cannot suppress the message."

Asked to expound further in her interview, Morales replied her statement goes to anyone of her naysayers. "Kung sino man tamaan bato-bato sa langit."

"Marami nagsasabi mali ako ganito, ganyan so I came up with a message, 'pag tinitira pa rin ako, what did I say, you may attempt to repress the messenger but you cannot suppress the message," she added.

Morales, nonetheless, invited the public to help make the country free from corruption and report public officials involved in illegal practices.

"Join us in exposing and preventing any acts of corruption. Let us never allow the monstrous effect of corruption to blind us that all hope is gone because there is no truth to that," Morales said. — RSJ/KVD, GMA News