Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has decided not to proceed with his earlier plan to send a letter to Senate President Tito Sotto seeking the enforcement of the 2016 dismissal order against Senator Joel Villanueva.
It can be recalled that Villanueva was previously ordered dismissed by the Ombudsman after being found guilty of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service over his alleged involvement in the ₱10-million pork barrel scam during his time as a member of the House of Representatives.
However, the Senate did not implement the order, arguing that it had no jurisdiction over the matter.
In an earlier interview, Remulla said the enforcement of the order would require a formal letter to the Senate leadership, with the Senate President tasked to carry it out. He even noted that they aimed to personally deliver the letter to Sotto the following day.
But by this afternoon, Remulla confirmed that he will no longer send the letter, revealing that he was surprised to learn about a “secret decision” made by former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, which granted Villanueva’s motion for reconsideration.
That decision effectively reversed the 2016 order previously issued by then-Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales.
(PHOTO COURTESY: SENATE)
