The House Committee on Justice is set to discuss whether to invite former Ombudsman Samuel Martires to appear in the ongoing impeachment investigation against Vice President Sara Duterte.
According to committee member Rep. Terry Ridon, the panel remains open to hearing from Martires, as well as Col. Raymund Lachica and Col. Dennis Nolasco, whose names were mentioned in the affidavit of Ramil Madriaga.
Madriaga alleged that the individuals were connected to supposed irregularities involving confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President. The claims are part of the issues currently being examined by the House panel as it continues its impeachment inquiry.
Ridon said the committee is considering the possibility of inviting the personalities named in the affidavit to provide their side of the issue. He emphasized that the panel is open to hearing from those mentioned in the allegations to ensure a fair and thorough review of the matter.
Martires, however, strongly denied the accusations raised against him. He questioned the credibility of the affidavit and maintained that he has no close relationship with Vice President Duterte.
The former Ombudsman also said he did not support Duterte during the elections, stressing that claims suggesting otherwise are inaccurate.
Despite denying the allegations, Martires said he is prepared to answer any investigation conducted by the House of Representatives if he is formally invited.
The House Committee on Justice continues to gather statements and testimonies as part of its ongoing impeachment investigation into the alleged misuse of confidential funds linked to the Office of the Vice President.
