The Connector
Acknowledging Malcolm Gladwell who, in his book, The Tipping Point, defined "connectors" as people who "link us up with the world", this on-line column hopes to be instrumental in ushering for social change to happen by bringing people of different minds together for the common good.
Looking For The Next Ombudsman
The resignation of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez finally put a closure to the issue on whether the country would face the agony of a full-blown impeachment trial before the Senate. For this columnist, it aborted a plan to write a series of columns educating readers on the impeachment process as well as a daily blog during the trial. But while the abortive impeachment trial was a blow to those who wanted to feel, more than anything else, the excitement and drama of a rare democratic proceeding and test the maturity of our political institutions, it was nonetheless an occasion to feel relieved that our political leadership, and the nation in general, has been spared from severe distraction and disruption which a protracted impeachment trial will bring. With one less problem on the table, the President can continue looking for solutions to the myriad problems facing the nation, not the least of which the deepening poverty crisis, unemployment, peace and order etc. The shelving of the trial also means that Senate can also go back to making laws – which is its principal constitutional mandate.
The next Ombudsman will have his hands full. True, as the head of an independent body, the Ombudsman cannot be dictated upon by the President, or by anybody for that matter, on how to perform his functions. But for now it is his duty to restore public faith in his office which admittedly was eroded and tainted when the former Ombudsman was accused, rightly or wrongly, of coddling GMA, her family and allies. More than anything else, his leadership must inspire faith and confidence. For if the people do not trust the Ombudsman, the protector of the people, his office loses the very reason for its existence. He should be endowed with moral qualities and professional skills unique to his position – integrity, probity, fortitude, non-partisan, impartial, efficient, with excellent administrative skills and legal acumen.
Indeed, this is a tall order for any public official. But the nation cannot settle for anything less. The Office of the Ombudsman is a powerful constitutional office, as we have seen during the term of OMG. It has the capacity to sit on cases and stall prosecution of high profile personalities to such an extent that corrupt government officials can go scot free under its protective mantle and complicity. It has the capacity to render nugatory any and all effort by men and women of goodwill to root out corruption in government – which is the bane of our country since time immemorial.
Because of what happened to the former Ombudsman, the next Ombudsman will be subject to the microscope and close scrutiny by the public. Hopefully, she/he learns from the lessons of the past and avoids the faux pas of his predecessor which finally caused her downfall. Most of all, we need an Ombudsman who can inspire trust and confidence, someone who will not be beholden to anybody, especially the powers that be and including President Aquino. We expect the Ombudsman to do the work of restoring integrity in the government = without fear or favor.
The 1987 Constitution is very clear about the qualifications of the Ombudsman, he/she must be someone "of recognized probity and independence". Fortunately, we do have such people. Personally, I endorse La Salle Law Dean Chel Diokno and alternative lawyer Atty. Marlon Manuel as my first choices for Ombudsman. In fact, it would be great these two great lawyers to be appointed as a team (with Diokno as Ombudsman and Manuel as Deputy). Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales and former Senator Bobby Tañada, who have also been mentioned for the post, also have sterling credentials for the post of Ombudsman. But I think it is time for a younger generation of lawyers to lead what will certainly be a long and protracted war against corruption.
The resignation of Ombudsman Gutierrez has given the country hope that corruption can be defeated. The appointment of the right person as Ombudsman will confirm whether we hoped well or in vain.
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