MANILA, Philippines – After news broke of Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales’ indictment of former president Benigno Aquino III over the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), President Rodrigo Duterte claimed she left something untouched in the case.

In a speech on Wednesday, June 20, Duterte claimed he would one day publicize information about his accusation.

“One day, I will show it to you the DAP, ‘yung hindi niya ginalaw (what she didn’t touch). I will publish it,” said Duterte.

He repeated his accusation that Morales is biased for officials of Aquino’s administration. She is an appointee of the former president.

“Morales, akala mo lang, walang, – puro kalaban ang – (Morales, you think, no one – it’s all the enemies),” said Duterte.

Morales indicted Aquino for usurpation of legislative powers but not for graft, which was what complainant Bayan Muna wanted.

Morales drew Duterte’s ire after she criticized him during a television interview for his threats to kill criminals. The President then advised the Ombudsman to “shut up” and accused her of being “spokesman of the criminals.”

Rather than elaborate on his accusations, Duterte said he was preparing to choose Morales’ successor in preparation for her “formal exit.”

“I have a shortlist, men of unshakeable – but I have to, in addition to that, I have to talk to a lot of people. Maybe judges and lawyers and the entire gamut of the crowd,” said the President.

The Judicial and Bar Council just wrapped up its interviews of applicants for Ombudsman and is expected to send Duterte a shortlist.

Among those in the running for Ombudsman are his friend, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, and his former lawyer, Edna Batacan. – Rappler.com