Ombudsman: We can't file a case against VP Sara now

Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires on Friday, June 27, said the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) cannot prosecute Vice President Sara Duterte now.

- CZARINA NICOLE ONG KI

He said the OMB has to wait for the result of the trial of the impeachment case against her before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court before it can file a case.

Martires explained that at the moment the OMB can only conduct a probe on Duterte but cannot prosecute her since she is an impeachable official.

Martires said that if the impeachment proceedings will result in the conviction of the Vice President, then the Ombudsman or any investigative body-even the Department of Justice can file the necessary case or criminal case against her.

"Even the Ombudsman can file an administrative case against the Vice President if she was already convicted. But if the Vice President is acquitted by the impeachment court, we have no power to charge her," Martires stressed.

Thus, Martires stressed that the OMB cannot file a case against her because she is an impeachable official.