Ombudsman urges vigilance to uphold rule of law in next admin

MANILA, Philippines – With only days left before the administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte formally takes over, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales expressed support for the country’s new leaders and urged vigilance to uphold the rule of law.

Speaking at the 125th foundation anniversary of the Philippine Bar Association on Wednesday, June 22, Morales acknowledged that the change in administration will have an effect on the remaining 2 years of her 7-year term, but added that she can only speculate on what the leadership change will bring.

While saying that it would be best to “remain optimistic and pledge support” to the newly-elected government officials, Morales also said the people should be vigilant to ensure that the rule of law would prevail.

“When actual grind begins and loyalty to the rule of law reigns, let us complement it in any way we can. But if it tends to be otherwise, let us not be reticent, let us repulse it unconditionally. Let us perform our duty to the nation and the people with full commitment and in faithful obedience to the constitution and the rule of law,” she said.

“Filipinos will remain resilient and will stand for what is right and just,” she added.

Morales, who leads the agency mandated to probe and hold public officials accountable, also vowed to continue the anti-corruption drive of her office.

She said the Office of the Ombudsman will “remain steadfast” in holding administratively liable erring public officials by filing cases against them if warranted.

But she stressed that to be more effective, the Ombudsman’s Constitutional powers, functions, and structure should be bolstered through key legislative measures, such as strengthening its capacity for asset recovery of suspected ill-gotten properties.

Morales, appointed Ombudsman in late July 2011, has gone against prominent public officials, such as Vice President Jejomar Binay, his son, dismissed Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr, and Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, among others. (READ: Fighting corruption ‘reason for my life’ – Ombudsman)

While her critics have accused her of selective justice, Morales has shrugged off these allegations and dared critics to impeach her.

Morales has earlier said that her office will continue investigating complaints against incoming president Rodrigo Duterte, but added that she would inhibit from these cases because of her ties with the Duterte family.

Mans Carpio, husband of Duterte’s daughter Sara, is the son of Morales’ brother, Davao Regional Trial Court judge Lucas Carpio. – Rappler.com