Kinumpirma ng Office of the Ombudsman na iniimbestigahan na nila ang patung-patong na reklamong inihain laban kina Public Attorneys Office (PAO) chief Persida Acosta at forensic laboratory chief Dr. Erwin Efre.
Dahil dito, nakatakda ng timbangin ng mga imbestigador mula sa Ombudsman ang ebidensyang ihahain ng mga akusado at complainant na si Atty. Wilfredo Garrido Jr. bago mag-desisyon kung iaakyat ba ang mga kaso sa Sandiganbayan.
“It will be recalled that after the complaints filed by Wilfredo Garrido, Jr., were evaluated and docketed on 11 April 2019, the Office of the Ombudsman immediately issued an order a day after, or on 12 April 2019, directing the respondents to file their respective counter-affidavits.”
“Consequently, on 30 April 2019, Acosta and Erfe filed a Consolidated Counter-affidavit. Meanwhile, on 29 April 2019, an “Urgent Motion for Preventive Suspension” was filed by complainant, Wilfredo Garrido, Jr. and on 02 May 2019, Acosta filed her “Comment and/or Opposition to the Motion for Preventive Suspension.”
“During the course of the investigation, several other pleadings were filed by the respective parties.”
“On 08 August 2019, the Office of the Ombudsman received a pleading entitled “Manifestation with Prayer for Public Respondents Immediate Preventive Suspension from Office.”
“The pleading was signed by alleged “DOJ PAO lawyers.””
Nahaharap sa criminal charges sina Acosta at Efre gaya ng graft, falsification by public officer, malversation and illegal use of public funds or property.
May administrative cases din na nakahain sa dalawa tulad ng grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, grave abuse of authority at conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Tiniyak naman ni Ombudsman Samuel Martires na patas na susuriin ng kanyang tanggapan ang mga kaso na ihaharap ng kapwa partido.
“The corruption allegations against the high-ranking PAO officials will be judiciously scrutinized and the cases shall be resolved solely on the basis of the evidence presented by the parties.”
