“Forfeiture can proceed independently of impeachment..." | Inquirer Global Nation

Miriam Santiago ‘worthy of the fires of hell’ | Inquirer Global Nation

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Responsibility with Ombudsman

According to Bello, jurisprudence clearly lodged the responsibility of overseeing forfeiture cases with the Ombudsman, citing a 2005 Supreme Court decision (Major General Carlos Garcia v. Sandiganbayan).

“I am sure even Chief Justice Corona is disappointed that Attorney Esguerra overlooked the 2005 Supreme Court decision that reinforces the Ombudsman’s responsibility to investigate and file forfeiture proceedings, which Corona concurred in as associate justice,” Bello said.

On criticisms that he was engaging in forum shopping, Bello argued that initiating forfeiture proceedings was independent of the impeachment process. “(It is) not only a matter of the people seeking justice for Corona’s abuses but also an issue of urgency,” he stressed.

“Forfeiture can proceed independently of impeachment because it’s sole object is the confiscation of unlawfully acquired property. It has no effect whatsoever on Corona’s continued fitness to stay in public office, which is the sole concern in the impeachment,” Bello explained.

With a report from Cynthia D. Balana

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