2 ex-solons seek Deputy Ombudsman Carandang’s removal from office

A group of lawyers led by two former lawmakers on Tuesday filed an administrative complaint against Overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Arthur Carandang, amid the Ombudsman's investigation on the wealth of President Rodrigo Duterte and his family.

The 10-page complaint, prepared by former Negros Oriental Rep. Jacinto "Jing" Paras and former Biliran Rep. Glenn Chong, was filed with the Office of the President.

They said Carandang committed grave misconduct, gross dishonesty, and gross negligence constituting betrayal of public trust.

The former lawmakers also said that Carandang violated Section 3, paragraphs e and k of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Law.

"Parang they're synchronized to destabilize this government. Maybe they want power grab or whatsoever. Kaya obvious na obvious na itong si Carandang, appointed ito ng mga yellow, ang behind talaga nito ay si [Ombudsman Conchita] Carpio-Morales," he told reporters before filing the complaint.

"Kasi hindi naman gagalaw itong si Carandang kung walang go signal ni Carpio Morales," he added. "Napaka-sinungaling pa nitong Carpio-Morales. Sabi pa niya nag-inhibit siya kasi kamag-anak niya 'yung... son-in-law ni President Duterte. Pero ang sa katotohanan niyan she’s really the one behind all these maneuvers." 

Paras, however, denied that Duterte was behind the complaint against Carandang, even despite the President's warning to the Deputy Ombudsman on Saturday.

“Hindi po. If you remember, I have made my advocacy to file complaints against erring officials especially those high and mighty na nagwa-wiretap,” Paras replied.

“No direction [from the President],” he added.

Paras had previously filed complaints against Senator Risa Hontiveros and an impeachment complaint against Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista. He was also involved in the impeachment complaint filed by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.

Morales had earlier denied that she and Sereno were allowing themselves to be used by certain political forces to oust Duterte from the presidency.

Meanwhile, a separate complaint was also be filed against Carandang and Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao Rodolfo Elman at the Office of the President.

The complaint was prepared by lawyers Manuelito Luna and Eligio Mallari.

In the 13-page complaint, the lawyers said that Carandang and Elman were "guilty of graft and corruption or betrayal of public trust."

Meanwhile, the members of the Fact-Finding Investigation Team/Field Investigation Unit of the Office of the Ombudsman-Mindanao were accused gross misconduct.

The lawyers are seeking the removal of Carandang, Elman, and the members of the team from office.

“The mere possession of bank transactions and bank accounts eh criminal offense na iyan sa Bank Secrecy Law. The mere disclosure also is a crime, so dalawa na iyan,” Luna said of Carandang.

Asked to comment on the issue, presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella told reporters after the briefing that the complaints would be first assessed by the Office of the Executive Secretary. 

Chief presidential legal counsel Sec. Salvador Panelo told reporters that after the OES or anybody tasked to assess the complaints gave its recommendation, it would be submitted to Duterte for his action.

“The President will impose whatever disciplinary action allowed by law. It's either dismissal, suspension, or reprimand,” he said. —KBK, GMA News