InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5
MANILA, Philippines - Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales hit back at Chief Justice Renato Corona, who accused her of being used by Malacanang to ruin his reputation in the impeachment trial.
In a hastily-called press conference Friday afternoon, Morales denied all accusations made by Corona on Day 42 of the impeachment trial at the Senate.
"I never wanted to have a press con," Morales told reporters. "This time I'm raring to talk to you because I feel that I have been maligned."
The ombudsman denied being used by anybody when she testified last week in the Senate impeachment court. Morales also answered Corona's allegation that the Ombudsman once asked him for an exorbitant "special budget" that is "at least" double that for retiring Justices. The regular budget for retiring Justices is between P500,000 and P600,000.
"I suffered in silence," Morales said. "My retirement was reduced in half. I never asked for reconsideration."
The Ombudsman also denied that she decided to present the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) report on Corona's alleged 82 dollar accounts without it being authenticated. Morales said she went to the impeachment court with a verified document.
"I didn't pick it up from the gutter. It was handed to me by the AMLC head," she said.
Corona earlier dared Morales to resign from her post, especially after the chief justice proved that he did not own the 82 dollar accounts containing between 10 and 12 million dollars. The ombudsman remained firm in her position and said she wouldn't.
"You ask me if I have a conscience? Yes, I have a conscience. I have one dollar account, one and only," Morales fired back. " I hope he has a conscience and as clear as mine."
When asked what she thinks if Corona is convicted on Tuesday, Morales replied: "Amen!"
In an earlier TV report, a "fuming mad" Morales accused Corona of being a "certified liar."
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