OSG rebukes Saguisag over ‘gutter’ talk

Former senator Rene Saguisag. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Former senator Rene Saguisag has a distorted understanding of the Office of the Solicitor General’s (OSG) mandate that it would be best for him to keep it to himself, the OSG said in a statement Friday.

During Friday’s preliminary investigation, lawyers of opposition leaders questioned the authority of the OSG in representing complainant Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

Stressing the importance of maintaining its independence, Saguisag said: “The OSG should be the tribune of the people, not tuta (lapdog) of the administration.”

The OSG in a press statement said “it cannot stomach” Saguisag’s language.

“Mr. Saguisag should know better than to resort to gutter talk against his colleagues, with whom he has the duty to treat with courtesy, fairness and candor,” read the statement.

“Whatever personal misgivings he has in connection with official proceedings should best be kept to himself,” the OSG added.

It maintained that its decision to represent the police in the sedition case against Vice President Leni Robredo and more than 30 other critics of the Duterte administration was well within the Administrative Code of 1987.

“More importantly, Mr. Saguisag should be reminded that several personalities are charged with crimes against the Government and public order. As Defender of the Republic, the OSG is bound to serve its clients in any matter, which, in its opinion, affects the welfare of the State and the Filipino people, as the ends of justice may require,” the OSG said./ac

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