Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano on Monday pushed back against Senator Jinggoy Estrada’s claim that he had been repeatedly offered the dismissal of cases against him in exchange for leaving the Senate majority, stressing that accountability should never be intertwined with politics.
In a statement issued to reporters covering the Office of the Ombudsman, Clavano emphasized that no individual has the authority to act or decide on behalf of the Ombudsman regarding pending cases.
“Hindi dapat kailanman pinaghahalo ang pananagutan at pulitika.”
He added that anyone attempting to blur the distinction between the two should likewise be held responsible.
“Kung may mga taong nagtatangkang palabuin ang linya sa pagitan ng dalawang ito, dapat din silang panagutin.”
Clavano further explained that decisions involving cases under the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction cannot be influenced by outside parties, warning that such actions could themselves amount to corruption.
“Walang sinumang pwedeng magdesisyon sa ngalan ng Ombudsman pagdating sa mga nakabinbing kaso, dahil ang paggawa nito ay maituturing ding isang uri ng korapsyon.”
The assistant ombudsman also pointed out that the cases involving Estrada have been under investigation for a considerable period and that the proceedings have remained transparent throughout the process.
“Matagal nang iniimbestigahan ang mga kasong ito. Sa katunayan, isinasapubliko naman ang bawat hakbang ng proseso.”
Earlier, Estrada alleged that he had repeatedly received offers to have the charges against him dismissed if he agreed to leave the Senate majority bloc.
The senator made the assertion shortly after his arrest in connection with a plunder case involving alleged illegal budget insertions and supposed kickbacks tied to projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).