Amid graft complaint, Calida sees no reason to resign

Facing a complaint for alleged conflict of interest as his family’s security agency was involved in contracts with government agencies, Solicitor General Jose Calida said there is no reason for him to resign from office.

“No, why should I? I’ve been a lawyer since 1974, I can handle all attacks,” Calida said during an interview with CNN Philippines.

“The question is, can they handle my counter attack?,” he said, warning the complainant.

A previous report said Jocelyn Marie Acosta-Nisperos filed a complaint for graft, malversation of public funds, and misconduct against Calida before the Office of the Ombudsman.

READ: Sereno supporters sue Calida for graft, malversation, misconduct

The solicitor general said there is nothing wrong with their security agency being involved in government contracts even if he still own shares, and holds public office at the same time.

According to him, the law allows public officials with business interests to either resign from any position or divest shares.

“As far as I’m concerned I have not done anything wrong, and therefore, there is no issue of morality here,” Calida said.

Meanwhile, Nisperos is a supporter of former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, who was removed from office after Supreme Court associate justices voted 8-6, in favor of the quo warranto petition filed by Calida.

Calida said that the complaint is merely a way to get back on him for his role in Sereno’s ouster.

“They are angry with me because I won the quo warranto case, and ousted their poster chief justice,” Calida said. /vvp

READ: Calida: Malversation and misconduct charges are fabricated

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