Ombudsman Martires has yet to file any case before Sandiganbayan

MANILA - Ombudsman Samuel Martires has yet to file new cases against public officials, according to the latest Statistics Report on Cases released by the Sandiganbayan.

As of August 31, 2018, there were no new cases filed by the Office of the Ombudsman under Martires although 3 cases were noted as “appealed cases.”

The new Ombudsman, who was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte, officially assumed office on July 26, 2018.

The zero filing of cases is expected as Ombudsman Martires said he will be reviewing all the cases left by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales.

• New Ombudsman vows fairness in handling of high-profile cases

Among the high profile cases still lodged at the Office of the Ombudsman are those involving former Presidents Gloria Macapaagal-Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III, as well as officials of the Duterte administration such as resigned Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo, resigned Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte and current Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson.

The Sandiganbayan report also noted that the total number of cases pending at the anti-graft court as of August 31 is 5,471.

Before she retired, Ombudsman Morales filed a total of 60 cases for the month of July, including 11 appealed cases.

The Sandiganbayan releases statistics on cases every month on its website.