Ombudsman Samuel Martires on Sunday denied having any bad blood with the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
“We are not arguing with the DOJ. We get offended by being misled. I said that’s disinformation. It is being said in public that ‘hey, the Office of the Ombudsman has the power’ and that it must conduct an investigation into what the Vice President was saying,” he stated.
Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres had previously remarked that the Ombudsman had the authority to discipline and investigate government officials concerning Duterte’s supposed threats against Marcos Jr. However, Martires indicated that he has yet to find anything that warrants an investigation by the Ombudsman.
“There is a qualifier,” he noted. “If, in the opinion of Usec. Andres, we have that power, then I would advise Usec. Andres to keep quiet. Even if the NBI is now investigating the acts of the Vice President, we can take over jurisdiction,” he added.
He clarified that the Ombudsman could investigate only if the threats were made in connection with Duterte’s duties as Vice President.
The Ombudsman’s jurisdiction encompasses investigations related to anti-graft practices and all offenses under the Revised Penal Code pertaining to Republic Act 3019 and offenses committed in relation to office.
“Someone told me he wanted to talk to me. I don’t hold grudges. Someone mentioned to me that I am not even angry at him,” he maintained.
Martires dismissed allegations suggesting he was favoring the Vice President because his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, appointed him to his position.
“What are they saying that I was an appointee of Digong? That’s true, just like for the other deputies. We are just doing our job. It is unfair to accuse us. We are serving the public,” he said.
