Palace on Carandang’s suspension: Duterte is chief implementor of law

Malacañang on Thursday insisted on the authority of President Rodrigo Duterte to suspend Overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Arthur Carandang despite existing jurisprudence saying it was unconstitutional.

“There is no impasse. The President is the chief implementor of the law and he will enforce the law,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a televised press briefing in Baguio City.

Duterte on Monday suspended Carandang for 90 days for grave misconduct and other administrative offenses after he disclosed alleged bank records of the President.

READ: Palace suspends Deputy Ombudsman Carandang

But the Ombudsman on Wednesday said she would not implement the suspension order against Carandang, claiming it was unconstitutional.

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo on Wednesday said Morales may face criminal and administrative charges for her refusal to enforce the suspension order against Carandang.

READ: Panelo: Morales may face charges for refusing to enforce suspension order
Roque said Carandang was given 10 days to “to file his answer on the Resolution and Order.”

“It is incumbent upon Mr. Carandang to submit his answer within the required period,” he said.

After the lapse of the period provided, the Office of the President shall decide on the matter,  Roque earlier said. /je