August 30, 2026
The respondents in the complaint involving the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Camarines Sur have formally entered their appearance and submitted their response before the Office of the Ombudsman.
Vice Governor Salvio Patrick Edmund F. Fortuno, Jr. and the other respondents, through MASTT Law, have filed their Joint Counter-Affidavit before the Ombudsman. They have likewise submitted their Comment/Opposition to the complainant’s prayer for preventive suspension.
COMPLAINT FILED. ANSWER FILED. ISSUES NOW JOINED.
For CCWI, the filing of the respondents’ counter-affidavit represents an important stage in the proceedings.
The complainant has presented its allegations and supporting evidence. The respondents have now been given the opportunity to answer, contest the allegations, and present their own defenses and evidence.
This is how due process should work: allegations are answered, evidence is examined, and the proper authority determines what the facts and law establish.
CCWI welcomes the filing of the respondents’ pleadings and considers the exchange of submissions an important part of a fair and transparent process.
LET THE EVIDENCE SPEAK
The organization said it will respect the proceedings before the Ombudsman and allow the evidence and applicable law to guide the outcome.
“Let evidence, not position, decide.”
CCWI maintains that the people of Camarines Sur deserve timely action on legitimate requests for public information and faithful compliance with applicable transparency, accountability, and good-governance laws.
The complaint and the respondents’ counter-affidavit now place the contested issues squarely before the Office of the Ombudsman for evaluation and appropriate action.
At this stage, no finding of guilt or administrative liability has been made against the respondents. The allegations remain subject to investigation, evaluation of evidence, and due process.
TULOY ANG PROSESO. TULOY ANG ACCOUNTABILITY.
CCWI said it will continue to participate in the proceedings through proper legal channels and will await the determination of the Ombudsman based on the records and evidence presented by all parties.
Tuloy ang laban para sa accountability.
CARLO BATALLA, Ph.D.
Chairman/President
Crimes and Corruption Watch International (CCWI)
This report concerns the procedural status of the case as described by CCWI. The filing of a complaint or counter-affidavit does not, by itself, establish liability. All parties remain entitled to due process.
