Ombudsman points to AMLC in dropping Rody wealth probe
The Office of the Ombudsman yesterday confirmed that its probe on the alleged hidden wealth of President Duterte had been “closed and terminated,” saying the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) had refused to cooperate in the probe.
“The Office of the Ombudsman confirms that the fact-finding or field investigation on the complaint filed against the President was closed and
From Page 1 terminated on Nov. 29, 2017 after the AntiMoney Laundering Council declined to provide a report or confirmation on the requested vital data,” the ombudsman said in a press statement.
The ombudsman, however, was quick to add that the termination of the investigation “is without prejudice to the refiling of a complaint with new or additional evidence.”
The ombudsman issued the statement after Solicitor General Jose Calida, in a press conference last Tuesday, presented to the media a letter dated Feb. 12 from Overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Arthur Carandang.
In his letter, Carandang confirmed that the fact-finding probe on Duterte’s alleged wealth was “closed and terminated” as of Nov. 29, 2017.
Calida, during his press conference, slammed Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales for keeping quiet on the result of her office’s fact-finding investigation.
Palace puzzled
Malacañang is also puzzled as to why the ombudsman did not immediately announce the termination of its probe on Duterte’s alleged hidden wealth.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said such announcement would have settled the controversy created by the allegations of Trillanes.
“You know, the Palace somehow feels bad. The investigation has been terminated because of lack of evidence. Why was it not announced? Why did the ombudsman not announce it so that Senator (Antonio) Trillanes would no longer repeat himself?” Roque said in a press briefing yesterday.
“The ombudsman should have announced that due to lack of evidence, the investigation has been terminated so that the controversy about the alleged hidden wealth will die down,” he added.
Roque said critics should no longer make an issue out of Trillanes’ allegations because the ombudsman, whom he described as “far from being a friend of the President,” has ended its investigation. He said Duterte is also wondering why the ombudsman did not immediately issue a statement about the termination of the probe.
The ombudsman, in response, said it is “not obliged” to inform Duterte or the public about the investigation.
“Fact-finding investigations, under the rules, are generally confidential in nature. The office is not obliged to inform the subject of investigation about its outcome,” the ombudsman said.
The ombudsman also stressed that Morales inhibited herself from the probe as her nephew, lawyer Manases Carpio, is the husband of presidential daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.
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