Palace backs SC decision on dismissal of Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Ong

Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang on Tuesday expressed support for the dismissal of Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Gregory Ong by the Supreme Court.

“We welcome the decision of the Court,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the dismissal of Ong, after voting, 8-5-2, for “gross misconduct, dishonesty and impropriety.”

“We share the advocacy of the Chief Justice, as well as the other justices, who would like to further advance judicial reform by improving the current system and investigating allegations of judicial misconduct,” she added.

Valte pointed out that the Supreme Court decided to dismiss Ong based on the allegations of those who testified before the Senate blue ribbon committee and the subsequent investigation.

Whistleblowers Benhur Luy and Marina Sula during the Senate hearings claimed that Ong was the contact of Janet Lim-Napoles, alleged mastermind of the pork barrel scam, at the Sandiganbayan.

Ong’s dismissal is immediately executory with his retirement benefits forfeited. He is also barred from working for the government in the future.

RELATED STORIES

SC dismisses Sandigan Justice Gregory Ong

Who is Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Gregory Ong?

Sandigan justice Ong hits trial by publicity