Criminal case not within mandate of Ombudsman

CEBU, Philippines — The murder case filed against suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. cannot be transferred to the Office of the Ombudsman as it is not part of its mandate, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile said yesterday.

Enrile made the response in his television program when asked to comment on the request of Teves’ lawyers, led by Ferdinand Topacio, to have the lawmaker’s case transferred to the Ombudsman.

Murder complaints have been filed against Teves in connection with the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and several others in March.

“I don't think it's possible because it's a criminal case. It must be filed in ordinary courts. The cases that are handled by the Ombudsman mostly are crimes against the treasury,” the former Senate president said in mixed Filipino and English.

“No offense to the Ombudsman, he’s a good person…he can handle that but that is not within his mandate,” Enrile said, referring to Ombudsman Samuel Martires.

Enrile said the secretary of justice is the one who enforces the criminal laws of the country.

Teves' legal team earlier asked the Department of Justice and the panel of prosecutors to inhibit themselves from hearing the case, claiming that Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has already prejudged the case.

Remulla, in previous interviews, said Teves’ refusal to return to the country to face the charges was an “indicator of his guilt.”

Teves has yet to return after leaving the country for the US in February. The lawmaker insists he is innocent and he cannot go home yet due to threats to his life.

In May, Timor-Leste denied Teves’ application for political asylum.

President Marcos has repeatedly called on Teves to come home and face the allegations against him. — (FREEMAN)