TRB chief hits ombudsman over graft raps

MANILA, Philippines - Toll Regulatory Board chief Edmund Reyes has hit the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly failing to exercise due process in filing graft charges against him in connection with the P728-million fertilizer fund scam.

Reyes, a former lawmaker from Marinduque, wrote to Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, requesting her to provide him with documents and other details of the reported graft case filed against him by her office last week. 

In a letter to Morales dated Dec. 10, Reyes said he learned of the filing of graft charges only from the newspapers. 

“I have not received any notice, order, resolution, subpoena or complaint affidavit and supporting documents from your good office informing me of the existence or pendency of any preliminary investigation being conducted against me,” Reyes said.

He said he was not given any opportunity to be heard and submit evidence to defend himself.