Fred M. Lobo By Fred M. Lobo   Malacañang said it is leaving to the Office of the Ombudsman the task of investigating and filing corruption charges against government officials fired by President Duterte. Let OO exercise its constitutional mandate against corruption, the Palace said. *** “The Ombudsman should look into it because it has the constitutional mandate to conduct preliminary investigation to determine if they should be charged in court for violating the anti-graft law,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a press briefing. Yes, the ball is now in OO’s court. *** Roque pointed out there should be accountability of public servants even after being dismissed by the President. Accountability begins where firing ends. Tsk-tsk! *** The Palace said the President has fired in recent weeks several appointees for alleged involvement in corruption or abuse of power. Be lily-white in public service, DU30 insists. *** It added that Cesar Montano, chief operating officer of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), resigned after new Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat questioned the agency’s P320-million “Buhay Carinderia” culture and food promotion project which was reportedly awarded without public bidding. From “Buhay Carinderia,” it’s back to “buhay-artista” for Cesar M. *** Earlier, the President fired Transportation Assistant Secretary and fraternity brother Mark Tolentino “for having dealings” with a presidential sister about a government project, the Mindanao railway project. Such practice is unacceptable, Digong The Punisher said. *** Roque said the recent cases of firing should serve as warning to government officials to avoid seeking favors or influence from the President’s relatives. Thou shall not use DU30’s name in vain. No to “Kamag-anak Inc.”! *** Meanwhile, Malacanang said it will protect and defend Philippine territory amid China’s increased military buildup in the South China Sea. “We will uphold our right in the sea that’s part of our exclusive economic zone but at the same time move on with our bilateral relations,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in press briefing. *** “Regardless of what happens, no territory will be given up. We will defend our right and sovereignty, we’ll move on issues that we can agree upon ” Roque added. *** Acting Chief Justice Antonio T. Carpio has urged the government to “formally protest the increasing militarization of the South China Sea by China.” “The recent introduction by China on Woody Island of the H-6K long range bomber that can carry nuclear armed cruise missiles” is a cause for alarm, Carpio said. *** “This Chinese strategic bomber can also land and take-off on any of China’s three-kilometer military grade runways on Mischief Reef, Subi Reef, and Fiery Cross Reef. All three reefs are within the Kalayaan Island Group of the Philippines,” he said. Too close for comfort. Whew! *** Carpio pointed out that the failure of the government to formally protest “means the Philippines is acquiescing or consenting to the militarization, and worse, to the claim of China that all the islands, waters and resources within the nine-dashed line form part of Chinese territory.” “A formal protest is necessary to preserve our sovereignty,” Carpio stressed. *** Vice President Leni Robredo also expressed “serious concern” over deployment of long-range Chinese bombers and urged the government to file a diplomatic protest, saying “Our Constitution prohibits the presence of any nuclear weapons anywhere in the Philippines.” Translation: No nukes or we’ll rebuke!