MALACAÑANG on Monday said the Office of the Ombudsman should determine whether Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio should face criminal charges over the alleged misuse of confidential funds, following reports that evidence from her impeachment trial would be submitted to the anti-graft body.
“If the Ombudsman finds evidence, sufficient evidence for those who should be held accountable to be held liable, then a person cannot simply escape accountability,” Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told reporters during a press briefing.
“Let us allow the Office of the Ombudsman to fulfill its mandate and see what the results of its investigation will be,” she added.
Prosecutors in the impeachment proceedings have reportedly said they would turn over evidence gathered during the trial to the Ombudsman for possible criminal proceedings against Ms. Duterte.
The Palace was also asked about a proposal by Party-list Rep. Terry L. Ridon to investigate possible links between alleged Chinese propagandists and supporters of Ms. Duterte.
Ms. Castro said Congress could exercise its investigative powers as long as these were in line with its legislative mandate.
“The President cannot prevent Congress from doing so because that is the mandate of Congress,” she said.
She added that any such investigation should serve the national interest and help lawmakers craft legislation that protects the Philippines’ rights. — Pexcel John Bacon