OMBUDSMAN Samuel Martires on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, complained over the lack of witnesses who are willing to testify against corrupt officials.
He said the Office of the Ombudsman might as well be abolished because it could not fulfill its role to prosecute erring officials due to lack of witnesses.
“Maraming nagsasabi na napaka-corrupt ng isang opisyal, pero kapag sinabi mo na gumawa ng affidavit, ayaw na. Brokers protect their businesses," Martires said during the hearing on the Ombudsman’s 2021 budget at the House of Representatives .
"Kahit na mayroong nagrereklamo na itong collector na ito, corrupt, nobody will openly accuse that person. So how do we gather evidence when nobody would like to testify before the court? Walang mangyayari,” he went on.
The Ombudsman is seeking a budget of P3. 7 billion for 2021.
Martires also said the Sandiganbayan should also be abolished.
The Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases involving graft and corrupt practices and other offenses committed by public officers and employees, including those in government-owned or controlled corporations.
"I-abolish na lang siguro ang Office of the Ombudsman para less ang gastos ng pamahalaan," Martires said.
"Siguro i-abolish na lang din ang Sandiganbayan,” he added. (Jove Moya/SunStar Philippines)