Former Bayan Muna Party-list Representative Neri Colmenares has called for an investigation into the wealth and lifestyle of former Ombudsman Samuel Martires following reports of a “secret” reversal of the dismissal order in the pork barrel scam case involving Senate Deputy Minority Leader Joel Villanueva.
“Dapat suriin kung may biglaang pagtaas ng yaman niya habang siya ay Ombudsman. Ang isang secret decision na tumulong sa isang senador na sangkot sa pork barrel scam ay hindi normal—ito ay may kapalit,” Colmenares said in a statement.
According to Colmenares, the 2016 dismissal order issued by then-Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales pertained to the alleged misuse of ₱10 million in pork barrel funds that were funneled into a “ghost livelihood project” in Compostela Valley.
“The decision of Ombudsman Carpio-Morales was based on the evidence that the Respondent’s project employed fabricated documents, a supplier that didn’t exist, an NGO with only ₱68,000 in capital implementing a ₱10 million project, and beneficiaries who were not even registered voters. Ombudsman Morales did her job,” Colmenares said.
He added that the case took a questionable turn under Martires’ leadership.
“But then Martires came in, suddenly, in secret, the dismissal order was reversed. For years, no one knew. Even the current Ombudsman didn’t know until he announced he would enforce the dismissal,” Colmenares noted.
The former lawmaker also urged the Commission on Audit (COA) to conduct a special audit amid allegations that Martires used his office’s confidential fund for travel expenses.
“He declared during budget hearings that he does not need confidential funds but reports show that he spent his confidential funds through the years. If he cannot submit proof of payment or receipts for his expenses, or he violated Joint Circular 2015-01 (January 8, 2015), then he must be charged in court for malversation of public funds and corruption,” he added.
Colmenares likewise asked authorities to look into the alleged midnight appointments made at the Office of the Ombudsman, which he warned could obstruct future investigations into Martires’ actions.