Liberal Party Senators Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino, Risa Hontiveros, and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Monday criticized the move of Malacañang to suspend Overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Arthur Carandang for 90 days for grave misconduct and other administrative offenses for disclosing President Rodrigo Duterte and his family’s alleged bank records.
The Opposition Senators took a firm stand that the action of the Palace is an attempt to stop the Deputy Ombudsman from revealing the truth.
Aquino stressed that as an Ombudsman, it is the task of Carandang to investigate the hidden wealth of the government officials.
“It is critical that the Office of the Ombudsman remains independent and free from intimidation when investigating elected officials,” said Sen. Bam Aquino.
“Hayaan nating gawin ng Deputy Ombudsman ang kanyang trabaho na siyasatin kung mayroon ngang tagong yaman ang mga halal ng gobyerno [Let’s allow the Deputy Ombudsman to do his job of investigating if elected officials of the government have hidden wealth],” Sen. Aquino added.
Pangilinan. sharing the same sentiment, said the decision could be an attempt to prevent the truth from coming out.
“Lumilitaw na ito’y isang panggigipit lang sa isang opisyal ng pamahalaan na nagnanais lang ng transparency sa mga opisyal ng pamahalaan, lalo na kung dawit ang pinakamataas na pinuno ng gobyerno [It seems that this is a harassment to a government official who wants transparency on government officials, particularly if the highest leader of the government is involved],” said Sen. Pangilinan.
In a letter released by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Carandang is said to be guilty of “divulging valuable information of a confidential character acquired by his office or by him on account of his position.” Carandang was given 10 days to answer the preventive suspension order which took effect immediately.
Meanwhile, Hontiveros asked, “How can anybody be guilty of divulging valuable information that, according to Malacanang, is fake? By filing cases against Carandang, is Malacañang confirming the authenticity of the AMLC (Anti-Money Laundering Council) records?”
The suspension of the Deputy Ombudsman arose from a complaint filed by lawyers Manolito Luna and Elijio Mallari, who accused Carandang of “falsely and maliciously claiming” that the AMLC had divulged a report on Duterte’s alleged bank transactions.
The Palace earlier said it had the power to discipline Carandang.