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Sunday, November 13, 2005
Scholars urge apolitical choice for next Ombudsman
A GROUP of academicians from Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) has urged the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) to select carefully the next Ombudsman, who should be competent, provident and independent.
At the weekly "Kapihan sa Sulo" forum, Vincent Lazatin, chairman of the Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN,) said the next head of the anti-graft office should not be connected or related to any politician nor involved in any political issues.
The JBC earlier announced the 15 candidates for Ombudsman. They are: Crispin Bravo; Douglas Cagas; Orlando Casimiro; Arturo de Castro; Gualberto dela Llana; Victor Fernandez; Remedios Salazar Fernando; Nicodemo Ferrer; Margarito Gervacio; Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez; Christopher Lock; Diosdado Peralta; Arno Sanidad and Dennis Villa-Ignacio.
Gutierrez is currently the Palace legal adviser while Villa-Ignacio is the head of the prosecution panel in the plunder case against former President Joseph Estrada.
Outgoing Ombudsman Simeon Marcelo tendered his irrevocable resignation last September 30 to take effect on November 30, citing health reasons.
Lazatin said the qualifications and independence of a candidate for Ombudsman would be put into doubt if he or she is close to a politician or to any government official.
"The JBC should scrutinize the candidates, especially with regard their competence; independence and providence. If he is connected with particular government officials, how can he be an independent," Lazatin added.
The TAN has asked the JBC to extend the November 14 deadline for the submission of names of applicants to be considered as replacement for Marcelo.
In a letter sent to JBC chair Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., the TAN said the public should be given enough time to submit comments on the candidates.
If there is any complaint against a certain candidate, Lazatin urged the public, academicians and concerned individuals to do so formally as part of the transparency process.
He said the JBC should not make haste the selection of the next Ombudsman process because the position is critically important as the person who will occupy it will handle graft and corruption cases.
"Acting hastily to fill the position could stir creeping suspicions and doubts on the integrity of the selection process. A slower and more deliberate, inclusive and transparent process will not only help build confidence in our anti-corruption institutions, but also in the JBC itself," Lazatin added. (JPM/Sunnex)
(November 13, 2005 issue)
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