Senator Antonio Trillanes IV branded on Thursday as “illegal” and “unconstitutional” Malacañang’s dismissal of Overall Deputy Ombudsman (ODO) Melchor Arthur Carandang.
“I strongly condemn Duterte’s dismissal of ODO Carandang,” Trillanes said in a statement.
“Not only is this illegal and unconstitutional since the Office of Ombudsman is an autonomous constitutional body, it is also highly unethical to fire the very same person investigating him,” he said.
Malacañang has reportedly dismissed Carandang for disclosing to the media the alleged bank transactions of President Rodrigo Duterte and family.
READ: Malacañang fires Deputy Ombudsman Carandang
Reports said Carandang was found liable for graft and corruption and betrayal of public trust.
Trillanes lamented that until now, Duterte could not face the “serious” allegation about his supposed hidden wealth.
“So, he is resorting to cover-up and harassment tactics,” added the senator, staunch critic of Duterte.
Trillanes himself had repeatedly alleged that the President had unexplained and hidden wealth. /muf
READ: Trillanes: Duterte has more hidden wealth