Ombudsman to focus on cases involving high officials

MANILA, Philippines—Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales bared her office’s seven-year plan Friday  and said she intended to prioritize cases involving high-ranking officials and would go after the big fish in government offices.

Morales also vowed to have zero backlog, and noted that some cases had languished in the agency for years.

The agency will also improve evidence gathering, and will not file cases in court unless they are backed by sufficient proof.

Morales said she was impervious to influence and pressure, and even President Benigno Aquino told her to be independent.