By Atty. Howie Callejja
Let us pray this is not a Trojan horse—delivering political absolution cloaked in the armor of accountability. Rather, we hope it is a genuine attempt at legal justice. This is a rare moment for the Office of the Ombudsman to leave behind a powerful legacy—a commitment to impartial law, and a demonstration that no one, regardless of power or position, is above it.
The recent order from the Office of the Ombudsman directing Vice President Sara Duterte to respond to allegations of financial misconduct has sent shockwaves through the Philippine political landscape. The gravity of the charges—plunder, corruption, and multiple violations of public trust—demands careful, apolitical scrutiny. This is not just another political skirmish; it is a stress test of our democracy’s moral infrastructure.
A meticulously documented investigation by the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability—through eight public hearings—examined the alleged misuse of confidential funds by both the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd). Among the most alarming revelations: questionable acknowledgment receipts lacking verifiable signatories, suggesting a deliberate circumvention of auditing protocols. After reviewing this body of evidence, the Ombudsman issued a formal order demanding a response from the Vice President and other implicated officials. This step signifies that the process is not, and must not be, a political stunt—it is a serious legal undertaking with the potential for far-reaching consequences.
Of course, Vice President Duterte is entitled to defend herself. But the volume and severity of these charges cannot be brushed aside. These are not minor infractions. They are potential breaches of public trust with implications that may extend into criminal liability. To let this moment slip into the familiar shadows of impunity would not just be a betrayal of the law—it would be a betrayal of every citizen who still believes this Republic is worth fighting for.
Complicating the situation is the timing. This development coincides with the Vice President’s ongoing impeachment trial and other pending legal battles, including an impeachment case that could redefine the limits of executive power and the standards of accountability in public office. The convergence of these crises risks derailing both legislative focus and public confidence. It also opens the door for distraction, diversion, or delay—tactics that too often erode accountability in Philippine politics. In this moment, Ombudsman Samuel Martires must uphold not only his constitutional oath but the moral weight of his office. His decisions now must reflect loyalty to country—not to patronage, not to political kinship, and not to legacy-seeking compromise.
The people deserve clarity. They deserve a process unsullied by hidden agendas or partisan sabotage. If this order is used to stall or dilute the impeachment proceedings, it becomes complicit in the very abuse it claims to investigate. Let this not be a monkey wrench thrown into the machinery of justice—but a spark that reignites faith in it.
In conclusion, the Ombudsman’s directive is a potent reminder that transparency and accountability are not optional in a democracy—they are its lifeblood. While the legal process unfolds, the public must stay informed, vocal, and vigilant. We must demand not only answers, but action. Let this be the start of a new civic awakening—where the people no longer wait for justice to be handed down, but stand up and demand it.
This is the Ombudsman Martires’ final act before he retires. Let this not be a final favor to the Dutertes, but his redemption and final act of service to the Republic.
