Martires stands by Palace order on Carandang

OMBUDSMAN SAMUEL R. Martires said on Monday he has “no choice” but to implement Malacañang’s dismissal order against Overall Deputy Ombudsman (ODO) Melchor Arthur H. Carandang.

The newly sworn Ombudsman, however, also said he will have to wait until Mr. Carandang files a motion for reconsideration (MR) on his dismissal.

“I am giving the (Overall) Deputy Ombudsman 15 days to file his motion for reconsideration, until such time the motion for reconsideration has been addressed by the Office of the President shall I implement the decision,” Mr. Martires told lawmakers at the budget hearing for the Office of the Ombudsman, Monday.

When asked whether the Ombudsman will implement the dismissal order should the MR be denied, Mr. Martires said “I am bound by whatever laws are existing at the moment until such time that these laws are modified, amended, or repealed, I have to implement the law.”

He also said the decision is “immediately executory,” in accordance with the provisions of the administrative case.

Mr. Martires also said the courts will have to decide whether the President has power to dismiss the deputy ombudsman.

“This is a matter that is left to the courts to decide, I don’t want to comment on that at the moment,” he said.

Regarding the July 30 decision ordering Mr. Carandang’s dismissal, Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. last week said the Office of the President implements decisions concerning presidential appointees, but added it will leave Mr. Carandang ’s dismissal up to the new Ombudsman. —