Dispatch from Crame No. 235:
Sen. Leila M. de Lima's Statement of Support to the Ombudsman

2/1/18

I fully support Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales in upholding the independence of her office and that of her deputies from Malacañang.

There is simply no reason why the independence of the Ombudsman and her deputies from the President as affirmed by the Supreme Court cannot be respected by Malacañang. The Ombudsman and the Supreme Court should not be the ones adjusting to Malacañang. It is the President who should be acting in accordance with the Constitution and the law. Of course, that is asking too much of this government.

As Malacañang's arrogance on this issue is only expected, I call on the people to stand behind the Ombudsman in the coming days.

To Ombudsman Morales and her deputies, do not waver in this fight for your independence and constitutional mandate. Majority of law-abiding citizens are behind you in this latest attempt of the President to exercise absolute power. He will not succeed so long as men and women of integrity stand up to him as champions of democracy and the rule of law.