Ombudsman to file criminal charges vs. VP Binay right after stepping down from office

MANILA – Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said on Thursday that her office will proceed with the filing of criminal cases against outgoing Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay once he steps down from office on June 30, 2016.

“Once he (Binay) is stripped of immunity, we will proceed with the filing of the cases,” Morales said in a press conference on Thursday.

Under the 1987 Constitution, impeachable officials such as the President, Vice President and Ombudsman are immune from criminal lawsuits but they can be removed from office through an impeachment proceeding.

Asked for a definite date on when her office can file the charges, Ombudsman Morales merely responded that it can be anytime after June 30, 2016 the last day of Binay in office.

“Well, July 1 comes after June 30 in the same manner that July 10 comes after June 30,” Morales said.