Former Ombudsman Samuel Martires said the dismissal order against Senator Joel Villanueva in 2019 was long overdue. This was in connection with the alleged misuse of PDAF or pork barrel funds in 2008, while he was still a congressman.
According to Martires, he granted Villanueva's motion for reconsideration to reverse the Ombudsman's decision in 2016. The senator also showed the part of the decision that said there was no probable cause and that the signatures used against him were forged.
Ibinahagi din ni Villanueva ang mga kopya ng clearance mula sa Ombudsman at Sandiganbayan na nagpapatunay na wala siyang kasong kriminal o administratibo. Aniya, inihanda niya ito para labanan ang mga nagkakalat ng fake news at paninira.
In 2016, former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered Villanueva's removal from service, but Senate legal advisers said the Ombudsman does not have the power to remove a lawmaker. Only the Senate has the authority to decide on such cases.
Ultimately, Villanueva said that the false news is upsetting and saddening, but he remains confident in the law and the truth.
