The Supreme Court Third Division on May 2, 2026, voided the dismissal of former Overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Arthur Carandang who served under the Duterte administration.
The 28-page decision, promulgated on January 29, 2026, stated that the Office of the President has no administrative authority over a deputy ombudsman. It also voids the order of the Office of the Ombudsman which directed Carandang to “cease and desist from performing his powers and functions as Overall Deputy Ombudsman,” and declaring his post vacant.
In addition, the decision stated that “Carandang is entitled to all retirement benefits effective upon the expiration of his term. He is likewise entitled to receive the salaries corresponding to the period of his preventive suspension and dismissal, but only up to the end of his term.”
The ruling was signed by Associate Justice Maria Filomen Singh, along with Associate Justices Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Henri Jean Paul Inting, Samuel Gaerlan, and Japar Dimaampao.
In September 27 2017, Carandang allegedly said that the Office of the Ombudsman possessed documentary proof regarding the ill-gotten wealth of then-President Rodrigo Duterte and his family. The said documents included bank transaction records alleged from the Anti-Money Laundering Council.
Carandang also said that the same documents surfaced in relation to the investigation by the Ombudsman following a complaint filed by former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV about the alleged unexplained wealth of the former President.
On January 26, 2018, the Office of the President, through then-Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, filed graft and corruption charges and betrayal of public trust, leading to his dismissal.