Plunder rap vs Sara: Ombudsman can enter OVP, access papers

The ombudsman can extract documents and testimonies to bolster any new impeachment case against VP Sara Duterte.

- JARIUS BONDOC

It can do so while investigating the plunder and malversation cases filed Dec. 12, 2025 against VP Sara and 14 subordinates.

Premises and documents that the ombudsman may access are those of the Office of the Vice President and DepEd, of which she was secretary in 2022-2024.

The ombudsman may also invite her for questioning.

VP Sara can snub ombudsman invitations and subpoenas, like she did to the House committee on good government and on justice that impeached her on Feb. 5, 2025.

Her 14 co-accused risk jail time if they defy ombudsman orders.

The 1989 Ombudsman Act states:

Section 23 (3). Formal Investigation."In any investigation under this Act the Ombudsman may (a) enter and inspect the premises of any office, agency, commission or tribunal; (b) examine and have access to any book, record, file, document or paper and (c) hold private hearings with both the complaining individual and the official concerned...

(5) "Request any government agency for assistance and information necessary in the discharge of its responsibilities and to examine, if necessary, pertinent records and documents." That includes law enforcement units.

The Ombudsman Act allows the investigation of any and all public officials but exempts from its prosecution impeachable ones and members of Congress and the judiciary.

Although the ombudsman cannot prosecute VP Sara, its investigations can support impeachment complaints.