Saturday, November 18, 2006 CPO waiting for Ombud's reply on case of lawyer in bribe raps
THE City Prosecutor's Office (CPO) is still waiting for the reply of Ombudsman Mindanao to proceed with the preliminary investigation on the case of the government lawyer charged of direct and indirect bribery and obstruction of justice.
City Prosecutor Mario Duaves said it is the discretion of the Ombudsman to have it tried before the Department of Justice since the accused is a government employee.
"There are rules we need to follow so we still have to wait for their reply. If they will decide to handle the case, then we will endorse them the documents." Duaves told Sun.Star Davao.
Lawyer Marlon Melodias of the Public Attorneys Office pleaded for the transfer of his charges to the Ombudsman Mindanao, which he claimed has the jurisdiction over his case.
Duaves said the Ombudsman will reply to all communication within 10 days from receipt.
"We do not hurry them because they always give their reply. After, we will then proceed to the preliminary investigation," Duaves said. (RMH)
