Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires has vouched for the integrity of the three nominees chosen by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) for the vacant post of Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao.
"Nothing turned up derogatory in my vetting, no one has a record of graft and corruption in their present and previous positions or employments," Martires said.
Nominated by the JBC were lawyers Beda A. Epres, Maria Iluminada S. Lapid-Viva, and Anderson Ang Lo. The nominations have been submitted to President Duterte.
A check showed Epres is the director of the General Investigation Bureau of the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB), Viva is also with OMB as head of the bids and awards committee, while Lo is undersecretary of the Presidential Management Staff.
They were among those who applied to the post that was vacated last March 13 by Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao Rodolfo M. Elman.
As of Saturday morning, Aug. 21, the President has not issued an appointment.
"If I can have it my way to appoint and create two more positions, I would like them to all serve as Deputy Ombudsmen,” Martires said.
The JBC is the constitutional office that accepts, screens and nominates appointments to the judiciary and the head of OMB and its deputies.