By GENALYN D. KABILING
Malacañang is optimistic that new Ombudsman Samuel Martires would be an asset to the government’s anti-corruption campaign.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Martires has the competence and integrity, adding he has never been tainted by the corruption and other irregularities.
“Wala pong bahid ng kahit anong eskandalo ang kanyang buhay,” Roque said in a radio interview. “Hinahangaan ko talaga siya, dahil siya naman po talaga ay bihasa sa batas at talaga namang nire-recognize bilang isang legal luminary sa aming mga abogado,” he added.
Asked how Martires could help in the anti-corruption drive, Roque emphasized that it was important to appoint people with integrity in key posts like the Office of the Ombudsman.
“Importante po kasi na iyong itinatalaga natin sa mga matataas na posisyon ay walang bahid na eskandalo at korapsyon. Dahil kinakailangan lahat ng mga appointees ni Pangulo ay magsilbing halimbawa sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan. Talagang kinakailangan maging tapat,” he said.
President Duterte appointed Martires, a Supreme Court associate justice and a law graduate of San Beda College, to replace Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales who has retired after a seven-year term.
Duterte announced the appointment of Martires during his visit to Zamboanga City and urged him to “do what is right.”
“We have a new Ombudsman. I signed the appointment of Justice Martires,” the President said. “He’s a strict one. He’s from the Sandiganbayan. But he is bright and he is a fair man,” he added.
