Newly appointed Ombudsman Samuel Martires on Monday said he thinks beleaguered Overall Deputy Ombudsman (ODO) Melchor Arthur Carandang is a “reasonable person” who will abide by the law and comply with the dismissal order against him.
Malacañang earlier sacked Carandang from service for graft and corruption and betrayal of public trust.
READ: Malacañang fires Deputy Ombudsman Carandang
Carandang’s dismissal came after a complaint was filed against him for disclosing to the media some information on the alleged unexplained wealth of President Rodrigo Duterte and members of his family.
Martires noted that Carandang has 15 days to file his motion for reconsideration.
“I have to wait until such time that Malacañang denies that Motion shall I cross the bridge,” Martires said.
“I don’t think there is anything for me [to implement the order] because once ODO goes to the Court of Appeals, I think he knows that immediately he has to leave the office. I don’t have to implement the decision of Malacañang,” Martires, noting that the case could even reach the Supreme Court.
However, once Carandang ’s motion for reconsideration has been denied or he fails to get a restraining order from the Court of Appeals, Martires said, “I have no choice.”
“It will depend on ODO…I do not think he’s that hard-headed. I see him as a very reasonable guy. I knew him since I was in the Sandiganbayan. I think ODO Carandang will just follow what the law provides,” Martires added.
Asked why he would enforce the dismissal order despite the standing 2014 Supreme Court ruling that voided the president’s disciplinary jurisdiction over a deputy ombudsman, Martires replied: “This is a matter that is left to the courts to decide, I don’t want to comment on that at the moment.”
Martires’ predecessor, Conchita Carpio-Morales refused to enforce an earlier suspension order issued by the Palace also against Carandang due to this jurisprudence. /vvp