‘No regrets’ — outgoing Ombudsman Morales

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales. (Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net)

Outgoing Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales does not regret anything in her seven years of service as the government’s anti-graft crusader.

In an exit press conference on Tuesday, Morales said all the cases she has approved and filed, whether or not they have secured a conviction from the court, were based on evidence that have been gathered.

“No regrets, because I have previously stated, when we file a case, we do it in accordance, in light of the evidence that we gather during the preliminary investigation,” Morales said.

“Nothing was laced with bad faith,” the outgoing Ombudsman added.

On the other hand, Morales said her successor should be “impervious” to any political pressure in fulfilling the duties of the Ombudsman.

“You should be impervious to pressure. Nasa tao na iyan,” Morales said, adding that she would also ask her successor to constantly monitor all cases being investigated by the office.

Once she officially retires on Wednesday, July 25, Morales said she would “industriously do nothing at the meantime.”

The Ombudsman and the media 

Meanwhile, Morales emphasized the importance of the role of the media in going after corrupt government officials, saying that the Ombudsman and the media should work together in holding them accountable.

“The Office of the Ombudsman needs your assistance, from a watchful media and a watchful civil society. When you are watchful, you can demand public accountability from the officials and employees of the government,” Morales said.

The outgoing Ombudsman lamented that in this “post truth age,” truths have become “irrelevant” and discussions have become “irreverent.”

“Now it is not only truth that has become elusive. Even reasons have escaped some people,” Morales said.

“It is high time that journalists reaffirm their commitment to truth and freedom by putting pen to paper in order for the story to see the light of print and combat the falsities around,” she added.

“For now, this has been Conchita Carpio Morales, your Ombudsman, signing off,” she said. /muf