DAVAO CITY, Philippines – In a classic display of his trademark unfiltered rhetoric, former President Rodrigo Duterte has once again made headlines with a biting message directed at former Overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Arthur Carandang. Addressing recent developments in a legal saga that has spanned years, Duterte’s latest advice to his long-time critic was as brief as it was pointed: “Just pray.”
The comment serves as a “What Went Before” reminder of the deep-seated friction between the two figures, a rivalry that began when Carandang led an investigation into the Duterte family’s alleged hidden wealth—a move that eventually led to his controversial dismissal and a landmark legal battle over the independence of the Ombudsman’s office.
The rift dates back to 2017, when Carandang claimed that the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) had provided records showing billions of pesos in bank transactions involving the then-President and his family. Duterte vehemently denied the allegations, accusing Carandang of “fabricating” evidence and using “malicious” documents to undermine the administration.
The fallout was swift. The Office of the President suspended and later dismissed Carandang for “grave misconduct” and “betrayal of public trust.” While the Supreme Court eventually ruled in 2024 that the President does not have disciplinary authority over the Deputy Ombudsman, the personal animosity between the two has clearly not cooled.
Duterte’s recent “just pray” remark comes at a time when political observers are revisiting the cases of the previous administration. For the former President, the comment is a dismissal of the allegations that once threatened his presidency. For his critics, it is a reminder of the aggressive stance he took against those who dared to investigate his private finances.
The “What Went Before” context is crucial for understanding the current political climate, as many of the actors involved in the initial investigation have since moved on to different roles or have been embroiled in their own legal challenges.
The Carandang case remains a significant milestone in Philippine jurisprudence, as it defined the boundaries of executive power over independent constitutional bodies. Legal experts note that while the court cases may have concluded, the political narrative continues to be a point of contention for both supporters and detractors of the Duterte legacy.
As the former President continues to speak out from his base in Davao, his brief but loaded warnings serve as a signal that he has not forgotten the battles of the past—and he expects his former adversaries to be equally mindful of the long memory of the law and politics.