The think-tank Infrawatch PH has expressed confidence that Ombudsman Samuel Martires will not likely change its stance on former Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Cesar Chiong despite petitions by certain business organizations.
Infrawatch convenor lawyer Terry Ridon said Martires has shown his independence in the anti-graft court’s previous rulings on other controversial cases, notably the laptop mess at the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Pharmally scandal on the government’s procure of anti-COVID-19 drugs.
“What is important here is the available evidence that served as basis to dismiss Mr. Chiong and if the basis for that is clear, there is no reason to revoke the Ombudsman decision,” Ridon said.
“The Ombudsman had a clear sense of the political impact of all these decisions, including this Chiong decision, so I am quite certain that he made that decision, it was based on law, it was based on the fact, it was based on evidence,” he added.
Earlier, several business groups have issued a statement urging the Ombudsman to reverse its decision, stressing Chiong’s “exemplary” work as MIAA manager.
“Nothing is stopping them in raising the profile of Mr. Chiong and going to his defense, but I am quite certain that the Ombudsman will not be dissuaded and, more importantly, the real remedy for Mr. Chiong is to file a motion for reconsideration,” Ridon said.
“And if he fails to file an MR, go to higher authority, to the Court of Appeals, to plead his case. If he feels wronged by that decision, he still has the remedy up until the Supreme Court,” he added.