Aquino accepts deputy Ombudsman's resignation

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III has accepted the resignation of Deputy Ombudsman Mark Jalandoni, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said Tuesday. Ochoa said Malacañang received Jalandoni’s resignation letter dated April 7, 2011 with immediate effect late Tuesday afternoon. In the letter, which was sent via registered mail, Jalandoni thanked the President “for having been given the opportunity to serve the country." Ochoa then wrote Jalandoni of the President’s decision. “This is to inform you that the President accepts your resignation as Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon effective immediately," the Executive Secretary wrote Jalandoni. With this, Ochoa urged the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) to expedite the selection process for Jalandoni’s replacement. Ochoa earlier said that Malacanang would respect Jalandoni’s decision to step down from office, saying it was his prerogative. Jalandoni was appointed Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon in March 2010 by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He was head of the Office of the Ombudsman’s Field Investigation Office prior to his appointment. He also served as state prosecutor of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and program director of the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Program under the DOJ before he joined the Office of the Ombudsman. He also once served as undersecretary of the Office of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel. Before Jalandoni’s resignation, three complaints were filed against him before the Office of the President for alleged usurpation of authority, among others. - KBK, GMA News