Palace: PNoy has no regrets appointing Ombudsman despite DAP probe

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Wednesday said President Benigno Aquino III does not regret appointing Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, who revealed that her agency is now conducting an investigation into the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the president appointed Morales because "he wanted an independent individual to head that office."

"He wants someone who will look after integrity. The President expects integrity in all branches of government. And so, no, the President does not regret appointing Ombudsman Carpio-Morales," Lacierda said in a press briefing.

During a budget hearing at the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Morales said her office is now probing Aquino and Budget Secretary Florencio Abad regarding the implementation of the DAP, an economic stimulus program of the administration declared partially unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

When asked if the president is ready to face charges after his term ends, Lacierda said: "In the universe of possibilities, if anybody wants to question the President subsequent to his term, there will always be people who will attempt to do so."

Lacierda also denied that the administration has something to do with the Ombudsman probe.

"The power of the Ombudsman and the Ombudsman Act is that the Ombudsman can motu propio investigate. She mentioned yesterday it was done. She ordered the investigation motu propio. So, we were not even aware until she mentioned it yesterday," he said.

"There is no unseen hand. This is the independence of Chit Carpio-Morales working as the Office of the Ombudsman was meant to be. To be an independent office and to be able to investigate without fear or favor," Lacierda added.