Ombudsman refutes claims of political harassment

OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio-Morales dismissed insinuations that her office has been selective in prosecuting and applying orders against public officials.

In a press statement posted on its website today, Morales said her office does not look at the party affiliation of politicians accused of graft and corruption nor the timing of the release of the decisions.

“Fighting corruption is a 24/7 job. We decide only on the basis of evidence. After careful and objective evaluation of the evidence gathered, we immediately file cases, if warranted. We are oblivious of the timing of the filing of cases in courts, just as corrupt public officials steal public money every time an opportunity comes,” she said.

“We file plunder or graft cases as soon as we are done with a thorough and impartial investigation. The office will not be deterred by propaganda and threats in doing our job. As I have said in the past, fighting corruption is the reason for my life,” she added.

Morales appealed to politicians with cases before the anti-graft office to stop giving the public the impression that they are being politically prosecuted.

She said political harassment has become the standard “public relations” defense of politicians charged with graft and corruption or plunder.  “This will not stand in court, and the public is not gullible to believe their claim,” she said.

The Office of the Ombudsman has been accused of “selective justice” by public officials who felt that they were prosecuted by the anti-graft office because they are against the administration.

Morales denied the accusations, saying they have filed charges against public officials regardless of political affiliation. The Ombudsman, however, didn’t present any data.