Morales denies junking cases vs. Bello timed with JBC interview

“They were ripe for resolution. They kept on filing motions for early resolution. Perhaps, they were confident the case did not merit serious consideration,” Morales said. (Photo: Office of the Ombudsman Philippines/ Facebook)

MANILA — Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales on Thursday denied the dismissal of the cases against Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III was timed with his interview with the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC).

Bello is an applicant to the position to be vacated by Morales on July 26, 2018.

In an ambush interview, Morales said that both the administrative and criminal cases of Bello are very much “ripe” because the motions of the camp of the DOLE Secretary were prepared to counter the complaints.

“They were ripe for resolution. They kept on filing motions for early resolution. Perhaps, they were confident the case did not merit serious consideration,” Morales said.

The Ombudsman noted that both the administrative and criminal cases of Bello were already dismissed last week because they are not ready to undergo investigation.

The DOLE Secretary released copy of his clearance from the Ombudsman on Wednesday.

Under JBC rules, any person cannot apply as a high-ranking official in the judiciary, if such applicant is facing a complaint before the Ombudsman.