What Went Before: Duterte tells Carandang ‘Just pray’
In 2017, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales delegated Overall Deputy Ombudsman Arthur Carandang to handle cases involving President Rodrigo Duterte’s family. Morales inhibited herself from acting on any case filed against Duterte and his family because her nephew, lawyer Manases Carpio, is married to Duterte’s daughter, then-Davao City Mayor and now-Vice President Sara Duterte.
Carandang served as Overall Deputy Ombudsman since 2013 and was among the senior officials overseeing major corruption investigations at the Office of the Ombudsman.
On Sept. 27, 2017, Carandang said in an interview that his office had obtained bank transaction records from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) as part of an investigation of a plunder complaint from former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV against Duterte and members of his family.
The AMLC denied that it was the source of information of the alleged bank accounts of Duterte that Trillanes cited in his complaint.
On Sept. 30, 2017, following the allegations, Duterte said in a message to Carandang:
“Imagine this, Carandang. Just pray, Carandang. I’m not threatening you. If the Philippines is plunged into chaos, I will go after you first.”
In October 2017, lawyers Manuelito Luna and Eligio Mallari filed complaints of graft and corruption and betrayal of public trust against Carandang. They wanted his dismissal.
They said he divulged valuable and confidential information and betrayed public trust by “falsely and maliciously” claiming that the AMLC issued a report on the alleged accounts of Duterte.
Carandang allegedly violated the Bank Secrecy Law and all the laws against disclosure of confidential information and secrets, and indulged in misinformation to undermine the integrity of the AMLC and weaken the Presidency.
Former Rep. Jacinto Paras and lawyer Glenn Chong filed similar complaints against Carandang.
On Jan. 26, 2018, Malacañang, through the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES), suspended Carandang for 90 days.
The OES formally charged him with grave misconduct and grave dishonesty for misuse of confidential information and disclosing false information; causing undue injury to public and private parties; manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence; and divulging valuable and confidential information, and releasing such information prematurely.
Morales refused to enforce Malacañang’s suspension order against Carandang, saying that it was unconstitutional.
On July 30, 2018, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea dismissed Carandang from service after he was found liable for graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust. He was permanently barred from public office and his retirement benefits were forfeited. The order dismissing him became final in June 2019.
Sources: Inquirer Archives, pna.gov.ph, RTVMalacañang Youtube Channel
