Tetch Torres-Tupas / INQUIRER.net
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Tuesday on Tuesday belied reports that he has pending cases before the Office of the Ombudsman.
Bello is one of the aspirants to fill the position to be vacated by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales by July.
Reports earlier quoted Oriental Mindoro Representative Rey Umali and Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra that Bello’s chances of being shortlisted may be affected because of a pending complaint against him. Umali and Guevarra are members of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC).
During Tuesday’s JBC interview of the aspirants, Bello presented a clearance from the Office of the Ombudsman which states that he has no pending administrative and criminal cases.
“After I learned the news that I may be disqualified, I asked the Ombudsman [on the status of the complaint],” Bello said as he showed to the media a copy of his clearance.
Bello said President Rodrigo Duterte has asked him to join the administration’s senatorial line-up for six to seven times. In order to stop the President from making such a request, Bello told the President that he is seeking the Ombudsman’s post. “I told him I am applying for the job (as Ombudsman),” he said.
When asked about his capability, Bello said that having been asked to work for four Presidents is an indication that he is qualified for the job. /muf