SC scraps Duterte admin's order dismissing Carandang as Deputy Ombudsman

The Supreme Court has voided the dismissal from service of then-Overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Arthur Carandang following his probe into the wealth of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

In a 28-page decision made available to the public on Saturday, May 2, the SC Third Division affirmed the Court of Appeals ruling that voided "for lack of jurisdiction" the decision by Duterte's Office of the President (OP) that sanctioned Carandang.

The high bench likewise voided the Office of the President's decision itself, dated July 30, 2018, which found Carandang administratively liable for graft and corruption and betrayal of public trust, and dismissed him from public service.

It also struck down the June 14, 2019 order of then-Ombudsman Samuel Martires, which was carried out "(p)ursuant to the Decision of the Office of the President," that directed Carandang to cease and desist from performing powers and functions of his post, which was likewise declared vacant.

With this, the SC ruled that, "Carandang is entitled to all retirement benefits effective upon the expiration of his term. He is likewise entitled to receive the salaries corresponding to the period of his preventive suspension and dismissal, but only up to the end of his term."

The decision was penned by Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh. Associate Justices Benjamin Caguioa, Henri Jean Paul Inting, Samuel Gaerlan, and Japar Dimaampao concurred with the decision. — Jamil Santos/ VDV, GMA News