Ombudsman ready to answer charges

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales on Tuesday stood her ground amid the renewed call of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for her to resign. (Photo: Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales/Facebook)

MANILA — Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales on Tuesday stood her ground amid the renewed call of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for her to resign.

“I will not be baited into abandoning my constitutional duties. If the President has charges against me, I am prepared to answer them in accordance with existing laws. I expect him to answer the charges against him in the same manner,” Morales said in a statement on Tuesday.

Morales said that as a public official, she has sworn to uphold the rule of law.

“We should as well, serve with honor, honesty, and decency,” she said.
Last Saturday, Duterte dared Morales and Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno to resign with him.

“I challenge the two, we will go to Congress, in a simple ceremony, we sign the letter of resignation. Sige nga. Then let us open all the books, including yours (Morales, Sereno),” Duterte said.