Ombudsman Quits Post

While the world is busy watching the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Philippine Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez personally submitted her resignation letter to President Benigno Aquino III Friday morning which the latter immediately accepted.

The news came less than a week before the Congress resumes sessions. Gutierrez was scheduled to face an impeachment trial before the Senate after she was impeached by the House of Representatives through an overwhelming 212-46 votes. She was accused of protecting former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her allies from prosecution.

This, I believe, is a welcome move and this could be the best move that she has ever done as an Ombudsman. It would spare the country a lot of trouble not to mention the time, money and effort wasted if the impeachment trial will push through.

With this development, the challenge is now for the president to appoint a new Ombudsman who will uphold public accountability. I do hope that the president will appoint a competent and impartial person with unquestionable integrity and credibility to the Office of the Ombudsman.