Ombudsman begins probe on assets of prosecutors

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman has started investigating the prosecutors in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona and their spokesmen, as well as the senator-judges of the impeachment court for alleged non disclosure of Statement of Assets, Liabilities (SALN).

Oliver Lozano, Lawyers League for a Better Philippines president, asked Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales to conduct the investigation.

His letter-complaint was referred for investigation to Assistant Ombudsman Joselito Fangon.

Lozano also asked for an investigation of the filing of a defective impeachment without proper verification.

The investigation will also cover the alleged bribery of complainants in the impeachment case.

Lozano is expecting the Supreme Court to stop the impeachment trial of Corona next week based on the petition of private individuals.

Lozano believes the Senate, acting as an impeachment court, will respect the temporary restraining order (TRO).

“The Senate will bow to the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law as the last bulwark of democracy. The Senate will recognize the Supreme Court as final interpreter of the law and Constitution.”

However, Lozano, one of those who have questioned the legality of the impeachment trial, fears that once the Senate yields to the SC TRO, a third force will come in to create a revolutionary situation to justify President Aquino’s proclamation of a revolutionary government.