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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Group urges Lower House to probe suspension of Antiporda

Group urges Lower House to probe suspension of Antiporda

Published Nov 20, 2022 03:20 pm

An anti-crime and corruption group is urging the House of Representatives to conduct an investigation into what it described as a swift suspension of the Office of the Ombudsman against National Irrigation Administration (NIA) administrator Benny Antiporda.

In a statement, Crime and Corruption Watch International (CCWI) president Carlo Batalla said the six month suspension without pay order was irregular and questionable, citing the group's experience in filing cases before the Office of the Ombudsman.

“As an anti-corruption watchdog, we have been filing anti-graft and corruption cases before the Ombudsman for several years now. In the case against Mr. Antiporda, this is the first time we learned that the respondent has been suspended without the benefit of seeing the complaint first and even before he can file his counter-affidavit,” said Batalla.

He said there have been long pending cases filed against officials of the government over corruption allegations but up to now, there are no decisions yet on the matter.

"But in the case of Antiporda, why is it that the Ombudsman's decision was so fast and yet, that there was no action on the cases he filed," said Batalla.

On Nov. 15, the Office of the Ombudsman ordered the suspension of Antiporda for alleged grave misconduct, harassment, oppression, ignorance of the law and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The suspension stemmed from the case filed by two former NIA officials.

From news reports, Batalla said they gathered that Antiporda was not even furnished a copy of the complaints up to now and was unable to explain his side before he was ordered suspended.

“The manner by which the Ombudsman diverged from its own rules and normal procedures should raise everybody’s suspicion and concern as it constitutes betrayal of public trust,” Batalla said.

As an anti-corruption watchdog, Batalla said they are “deeply bothered” by the development.

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