Good Morning Judge: Independence of the Ombudsman

I will not be baited into abandoning my constitutional duties. If the President has charges against me, I will answer them in accordance with law. I expect him to answer the charges against him in the same manner. As public officials we have sworn to uphold the rule of law. We should as well, serve with honor, honesty and decency.” It would seem that the President is trying to get even with the Ombudsman in the light of the on-going investigation being conducted by Overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Arthur Carandang on the basis of the complaint of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV that “the President and his family had undeclared wealth estimated at more than a billion pesos.” Morales has inhibited herself from the case as she is the aunt of Manases Carpio, the President’s son-in-law.

The Ombudsman found an allay in Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon who was quoted to have said that “The President cannot exercise authority and influence over an independent body such as the Ombudsman, more so over a co-equal branch of government such as the judiciary. That is how our structure of government is contemplated under our Constitution.” It may be recalled that Drilon used to be a Secretary of Justice before he was elected as Senator. TRIVIA: The Ateneo de Naga high school batch ‘54 has tendered a farewell luncheon yesterday (Oct 4) for Fr. Primitivo Viray who is leaving on October 6 for his new post as Superior Provincial of the Society of Jesus. Fr. Robert Rivera, S.J. will be taking over his place as President of the Ateneo de Naga University. QUOTATION OF THE WEEK: “SUCCESS IS LIKE REACHING ON AN IMPORTANT BIRTHDAY AND FINDING YOU ARE EXACTLY THE SAME.” AUDREY HEPBURN FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE: “TAKE DELIGHT IN THE LORD AND HE WILL GIVE YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART.” PSALM 37:4