By Arjay L. Balinbin, Reporter
President Rodrigo R. Duterte said on Wednesday, June 20, that he is currently reviewing the shortlist of aspirants for the next Ombudsman whom he described as “men” who are “unshakable.”
Last month, Mr. Duterte said he will not choose politicians, especially “a woman,” to succeed Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales who is set to retire next month.
“I have a shortlist. Men [who are] ano talaga — unshakable. Pero (But) I have to talk to a lot of people. May (There are) judges and lawyers and the entire gamut of the crowd sa gobyerno (in government). I hope everything will — na ma-correct natin ‘to (so that we can correct this),” the President said in his speech at the 2nd Quarterly National Executive Officers and National Board Meeting and Continuing Local Legislative Program held in Iloilo City on Wednesday evening, June 20.
The President also took a swipe at Ombudsman Morales. “Si [Ms.] Morales… One day, I will show it to you the DAP (Disbursement Acceleration Program) na hindi niya ginalaw (that she did not touch). We’ll publish it,” he said.
But on the same day, the Office of the Ombudsman announced that Ms. Morales has indicted former president Benigno S. C. Aquino III in connection with the controversial DAP during his term.
“[Ms.] Morales found probably cause to indict former president Benigno Simeon Aquino III for Usurpation of Legislative Powers under Article 239 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) over the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP),” the Public Information and Media Relations Bureau of the Office of the Ombudsman said in a statement.
The Ombudsman has also indicted former budget secretary Florencio B. Abad “for the same offense and his administrative liability.”

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