Ombudsman post draws 14 nominations so far

Manila, Philippines—The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has its work cut out for it as it mulls over steadily-growing list of nominees for the post vacated by Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez.

Already, 14 individuals have been nominated for the position, including a former Chief Justice Reynato Puno, Deputy Ombudsman for Visayas Pelagio Apostol, Ombudsman Prosecutor Wilbert Candelaria, Court of Appeals Associate Justice Portia Alino-Hormachuelos.

Other nominees include lawyers Ernesto Francisco, Marlon Manuel, Alfredo Agawa, Pedro Aquino, Hubert Guevarra and Florencio Villarin, Harry Roque and Arno Sanidad and Regional Trial Court Judge Amelia Infante.

The Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) also recently nominated its chair Jose Manuel Diokno for the position.

Of the nominees, Puno, who was nominated by a certain Suzette Curioso-Pangan, has not issued any conformity to the nomination, which is required to be considered by the JBC.

Earlier, the name of Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales was offered the position. Morales will be retiring next month.

RA 6770 (Ombudsman law) requires the Ombudsman to be a “natural-born citizen of the Philippines, at least 40 years old, of recognized probity and independence, a member of the Philippine Bar, and must not have been candidate for any elective national, or local office in the immediately preceding election, whether regular or special.”

The Ombudsman, who has a fixed term of seven years, must also have at least 10 years experience as a judge, or law practitioner in the Philippines.

Only four Ombudsmen have served the government since the establishment of the position under the 1987 Constitution.

The first Ombudsman was the late Justice Conrado Vasquez Sr. who was appointed by then President Corazon Aquino. Vasquez was succeeded by former Judge Advocate General’s Office (JAGO) head Aniano Desierto. He was then followed by Atty. Simeon Marcelo, who resigned from his position after three years citing health reasons, and was succeeded by Merceditas Gutierrez.