DILG expected to recommend sanctions on Duterte

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is expected to recommend sanctions on Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio for punching a court sheriff during a demolition on July 1.

Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo said in a press conference that their investigation is not meant to file charges in the absence of a formal complaint from sheriff Abe Andres.

He said despite the absence of a formal complaint, the department conducted an investigation.

The report, which will be completed within the week, will be submitted to President Aquino. 

“We conducted the fact-finding hoping somebody will file a complaint. Since Andres will not file a complaint, then we will conclude the investigation,” Robredo said.

Robredo ordered DILG lawyers Christopher Tiu and Romeo Benitez to investigate all those involved in the incident.

Duterte hit and punched Andres when the sheriff ignored her request to stop the demolition of the squatter colony in Barangay Soliman in Agdao district because it would displace thousands of families that were affected by flood.  

After receiving criticism, Duterte went on leave but her supporters held rallies to show support.

Andres, on the other hand, also received support from the Commission on Human Rights but said he is not inclined to pursue the case against Duterte.

The Office of the Ombudsman said it will let the DILG handle the administrative aspect of the investigations against Duterte, who is facing charges of grave misconduct and direct assault.

Rawnsle Lopez, spokesperson for acting Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro, said the Office of the Ombudsman recognizes the concurrent jurisdiction and authority of a government agency to investigate and impose penalties against erring officials falling under its supervision.            

The Sheriffs Confederation of the Philippines (SCOPHIL) filed the charges against Duterte before the Office of the Ombudsman on Monday.

Lopez said it is possible that the Ombudsman, after further evaluation of the complaint, will refer it to Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao Humphrey Monteroso who also holds office in Davao “for purposes of expediency,” the complainants and the respondents being in the same region.

Complaint more of a request    

Lopez said the complaint filed by SCOPHIL is more of a request for an investigation against Duterte.                            

The request for investigation also covers Police Officer 2 Dennis Cabudti and PO2 Roy O`sciones who were identified as Duterte’s bodyguards. – With Michael Punongbayan