August 5, 2026
CAMARINES SUR — The Office of the Ombudsman–Area Office for Luzon has issued an Order directing Camarines Sur Vice Governor Salvio Patrick Edmund F. Fortuno Jr. and several members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to respond to complaints filed by the Crimes and Corruption Watch International (CCWI).
CCWI Chairman/President Carlo Batalla, Ph.D. confirmed receipt of the Ombudsman’s Order dated July 27, 2026, issued by authority of the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon.
The complaints are docketed as:
- OMB-L-C-JUL-26-0168 — complaint involving an alleged violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act; and
- OMB-L-A-JUL-26-0198 — administrative complaint.
15-DAY DEADLINE TO RESPOND
According to CCWI, the Ombudsman has directed the respondents to:
1. Submit their Verified Counter-Affidavits within a non-extendible period of 15 days from receipt of the Order; and
2. Submit their Comments on CCWI’s prayer for preventive suspension within the same period.
The Order further states that failure to file the required pleadings may be treated as a waiver of the respondents’ right to submit controverting evidence, and that dilatory motions will not be entertained.
CASE NOW MOVES TO THE RESPONSE STAGE
For CCWI, the issuance of the Order marks the next stage in the proceedings, where the allegations and defenses will be evaluated based on the records and evidence submitted before the Ombudsman.
CCWI said it will continue monitoring the case and will respect the due process and investigative authority of the Ombudsman.
“Transparency and accountability require that allegations be properly examined through the evidence and the established legal process.”
CARLO BATALLA, Ph.D.
Chairman/President | Crimes and Corruption Watch International (CCWI)
The filing of a complaint and the issuance of an Order directing respondents to answer do not constitute a finding of guilt or administrative liability. All respondents are presumed innocent unless and until liability is established through the proper proceedings.
