Ombudsman says raps filed against own kin to be dealt with accordingly

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales on Tuesday vowed to prosecute even a member of her own family amid a senator's allegation that her nephew is involved in corruption at the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

"Certainly a complaint filed [against] any of my own relatives holding public office will be dealt with as with other similar cases... according to the applicable law and the evidence," Morales said in a statement.

The Ombudsman issued the statement after Senator Antonio Trillanes IV linked her nephew, Manases Carpio, to the alleged corruption at the BOC.

Trillanes claimed that Carpio received bribe money to facilitate the swift entry and release of shipments at the BOC.

Carpio has denied the accusations saying Trillanes was "imputing malice" on his work as a lawyer.

“Senator Trillanes is imputing malice in saying that my appearance before the BOC is because of smuggling. He is just a desperate rumor monger who happens to be a Senator,” Carpio said.

Morales, meanwhile, said she was unaware of the activities of her nephew in Davao City and reiterated that she would not comment on issues that may lead to the filing of cases against President Rodrigo Duterte.

Aside from Carpio, Trillanes also accused Vice City Mayor Paolo Duterte of having involvement in the alleged corruption at the BOC.

The senator alleged that Carpio and the younger Duterte are part of the so-called Davao Group.

Carpio is the husband of Paolo's sister, Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte. —ALG, GMA News