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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Pakibilisan po': Next Ombudsman should be appointed, pronto, say De Lima

'Pakibilisan po': Next Ombudsman should be appointed, pronto, say De Lima

Published Sep 30, 2025 08:09 pm

At A Glance

  • The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) and President Marcos should hurry up in naming the country's next Ombudsman--a position that has been vacant for over two months now.
Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima (PPAB)
Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima (PPAB)


The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) and President Marcos should hurry up in naming the country's next Ombudsman--a position that has been vacant for over two months now.
House Deputy Minority Leader Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima made this call after the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) recommended to the Ombudsman the filing of criminal and administrative charges against former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and 17 others in connection with alleged anomalous flood control projects.
“In light of massive issues of corruption our country faces today, there is an urgent need for the appointment of the regular Ombudsman, as the agency will certainly receive many complaints and recommendations from the ICI,” De Lima said in a statement Tuesday, Sept. 30.
The ex-senator noted that the Palace appointment has been pending since former Ombudsman Samuel Martires retired last July 27.
“Sa lawak ng sabwatan at sa dami ng sangkot na mga mambabatas at opisyal ng gobyerno sa maanomalyang flood control projects, kailangan na ng isang regular na Ombudsman na tunay nang makakatutok at tutugon sa mga reklamong lalapag sa kanilang tanggapan,” she added.
(Given the extent of collusion and the number of lawmakers and government officials involved in the anomalous flood control projects, there is now a need for a regular Ombudsman who can truly focus on and respond to the complaints that reach their office.)
During the House plenary deliberations on the proposed 2026 budget of the Office of the Ombudsman on Sept. 24, De Lima stressed the need for the agency to act promptly, be more transparent, and be more receptive to complaints of graft and corruption.
“As the ICI investigation progresses, it is expected to recommend additional complaints to the Office of the Ombudsman. With other corruption cases, this will certainly keep their office busy—underscoring the urgent need for an Ombudsman to lead the process,” the Bicolana reiterated.
The lady solon also pressed the Office of the Ombudsman to address the unnecessary and unfortunate dismissal of cases due to inordinate delays in fulfilling its mandate under the Constitution.
“As the country’s Tanodbayan, the Ombudsman should champion the government’s anti-corruption efforts. It must be swift, serious, and fair in filing solid cases against erring public officials who plunder the nation’s wealth," De Lima said.
“Hindi na dapat tinetengga nang matagal ang pagtatalaga ng bagong Ombudsman para tuloy-tuloy nang makausad ang mga kaso, mapanagot ang dapat mapanagot at makamit ng taumbayan ang hustisya,” she added.
(The appointment of a new Ombudsman should no longer be delayed so that cases can move forward continuously, those accountable can be held responsible, and the people can attain justice.)
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