Opposition raised vs ombudsman application of Duterte's ex-lawyer

MANILA, Philippines — An opposition was raised against the ombudsman application of Edna Batacan, former counsel of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio filed his letter before the Judicial and Bar Council, expressing his opposition to Batacan’s application.

In a letter made public only on Thursday, Topacio accused Batacan of asking P8 million from her client in exchange for dismissal of case. The case, however, went on and Batacan has not refunded the money.

According to Topacio, they shared the client.

He also said that Batacan charged P1 million for photocopying expenses related to the case “but was unable to support such demand for reimbursement.”

Batacan has handled high-profile cases such as a graft case of then-Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in 2010 and that of former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo.

She is among the ten vying for the spot to be vacated by Ombudsman Conchita Caroio-Morales next month.

Last week, Batacan faced the JBC panel and was asked on the opposition raised by Topacio.

The former lawyer of Duterte confirmed that she once shared a client with Topacio, particularly the former First Gentleman Arroyo. The case involves the controversial ZTE national broadband network deal at the Sandiganbayan.

She said that she withdrew from being the lawyer of Arroyo for “personal reasons.” She also said that the case was raffled to her former classmate, Sandiganbayan Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang.

She also recalled that there was an incident where she had to photocopy documents but claimed that she “does not remember” other details. “It was too long ago,” she added.

Batacan, during her public interview, admitted that she maintains a “close relationsip” with Duterte “because he is not only my client but also the godfather of my eldest daughter.”

But she asserted that that the president will not interfere with her work should she be appointed as ombudsman.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque earlier said that Batacan is one of the frontrunners for the ombudsman post. — Kristine Joy Patag

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