MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) is studying whether cases that may arise from its investigation into the May 13 incident at the Senate should be handled by the department or by the Office of the Ombudsman.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said that the issue is being evaluated
because some of the individuals involved in the incident are public officials, which could place any potential criminal proceedings within the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction.
Speaking at a press briefing, Vida said the DOJ’s special panel investigating the incident is continuing to assess the facts and evidence gathered so far.
He noted that the Office of the Ombudsman is also conducting a separate investigation into the matter and has jurisdiction over offenses committed by public officials in connection with the performance of their official duties.
“One of the things the panel still has to weigh is where any case should be filed,” Vida said.
The justice secretary said investigators are working to determine whether the DOJ would be the proper prosecuting authority or whether the matter should instead be pursued before the Ombudsman.
“The facts are becoming clearer,” he said, adding that the inquiry continues. He stressed that any decision on the filing of charges would be based solely on evidence and applicable law.
The DOJ earlier constituted a special panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the May 13 incident at the Senate, including events linked to an attempt by law enforcement authorities to serve an arrest warrant on Senator Ronald de la Rosa.
