Impeach case filed vs. Ombudsman

Complainants led by Congressman Jacinto Paras and Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) yesterday filed an impeachment case against Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales.

In the complaint, Morales was accused of betrayal of public trust for her “malicious acts and disclosures” which confirmed that the Ombudsman is in possession of the Duterte family’s bank accounts.

The complaint has yet to be endorsed by congressmen. Paras said at least five congressmen have committed to endorse the impeachment case.

Last September, Over-all Deputy Speaker Arthur Carandang said the Ombudsman has in its possession the bank accounts of the President’s family from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).

Carandang said Duterte’s bank transactions could prove that the Duterte family had amassed ill-gotten wealth amounting to billions of pesos.

Days after, the AMLC said they never released copies of the bank accounts of the Duterte family to the Office of the Ombudsman.

Morales, when sought for reaction, stood by Carandang’s revelation.

According to the complaint affidavit, Morales conspired with Carandang to make it appear that Duterte family members are cor- rupt.

“Morales is in conspiracy with Carandang in making illegal and irresponsible statements to the public on the falsified and spurious bank transactions of President Rodrigo Duterte and the Duterte family,” read the complaint.

The complainants said the acts of Morales constitute betrayal of public trust and graft and corruption.

Aside from betrayal of public trust and corruption, Morales was also accused of culpable violation of the constitution “for failing to act on complaints to the great prejudice of the Filipino people.”

Complainants aside from Paras and the VACC are: relatives of the fallen Philippine National Police- Special Action Force (PNPSAF) namely: Felicitas Nacino, Edna Tabdi, Julie Danao and Leo Balicdan; Tanggulang Demokrasya Inc. (Tandem) represented by its chairman Evelyn Kilayko and its president Tersita Baltazar; Vanguard of the Philippines Constitution Inc. (VPCI), represented by Eligio Mallari; Al Vitangcol III, Juan Rana and former congressman Glenn Chong.

The House committee on justice is deliberating on the impeachment complaint against Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.