SC rejects plea to stop Ombudsman’s probe into ‘pork’ scam

MANILA, Philippines—The Supreme Court has rejected a plea to stop the Ombudsman’s formal investigation on the misuse of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

At a press conference, SC’s Public Information Chief Theodore Te said the high court dismissed the petition against the investigation filed by Antonio Ortiz, former director general of the Technology Resource Center (TRC) for lack of merit.

“The Court dismissed the petition for lack of merit and for failing to show grave abuse of discretion on the part of the respondents that would merit the reliefs prayed for,” Te said Tuesday.

Ortiz was among the more than 30 respondents slapped with a complaint for plunder last September by the Department of Justice, National Bureau of Investigation that was filed with the Office of the Ombudsman.

In his petition, Ortiz said their constitutional right to life and liberty is being violated by the continuing investigation by the Ombudsman.

“More urgently, and before the matter can be heard on notice, a restraining order should be forthwith issued to restrain respondents, their deputies and all other persons claiming authority under the from proceeding with and/or conducting preliminary investigation…the proceedings being in violation of due process and equal protection of the laws, hence, unconstitutional,” Ortiz said.

Respondents in the petition are Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima and National Bureau of Investigation OIC Director Medardo De Lemos.

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