Sotto lauds appointment of Martires as Ombudsman

Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Saturday lauded the recent appointment of Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Martires as the new Ombudsman.

President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Martires as the country’s top graft-buster following the retirement of Conchita Carpio Morales.

“Maganda ang record ni Justice Martires. Siguro yun ang dahilan bakit siya ang napili ng Presidente (Justice Martires’ record is good. Maybe that’s the reason why he was chosen by the President),” Sotto told dwIZ.

“Kilala siya na maganda ang record (He’s known to have a good record,” he added.

Sotto also praised the other nominees in the nomination short list, adding that the President choose from anyone of the candidates.

Martires bested Ombudsman Special Prosecutor Edilberto Sandoval and private lawyer Felito Ramirez for the post.

READ: LOOK: JBC shortlist for next Ombudsman

On his appointment as Ombudsman, Martires asserted the independence of his office amid fears that the President can use him to silence critics. /muf

RELATED STORY: New Ombudsman Martires: I won’t be used by politicians