PNoy: Merci's resignation gives gov't more time for lawmaking

President Benigno Aquino III on Friday said he was glad that Ombudsman Merceditas Guiterrez resigned from her post, stressing the development would allow lawmakers to to focus on dealing with other problems. "[Gutierrez's] action has spared the country from a long and divisive impeachment process that would have distracted our lawmakers from dealing with the many problems we face today," Aquino said at a short press conference in Malacañang. Aquino added: "I will ask the Judicial and Bar Council to begin the search for a new Ombudsman... and with the support of the people, we can now proceed more decisively in making government officials more accountable to their bosses – the Filipino people."
Aquino said "adjudication of cases in the county could take at least six years and I'll be in the office in five years" and Gutierrez's resignation could free the government from many things regarding the impeachment trial. The President said he laments the Ombudsman's stepping down from her office, saying "Pinaghandaan na 'yung impeachment, naging mabigat na 'yung debate sa Lower House, at pinaghahandaan na ito ng Senate. Tayo'y nasasayangan." Still, Aquino is glad about Gutierrez's decision. "Ikinagagalak natin, ikinatutuwa, at nagpapasalamat tayo sa kanya... Paano naman hindi ako magagalak na nabawasan tayo ng isang palaisipan na mas mapupunta sa mas maganda." He told Gutierrez that their so-called "differences" should not be brought to personal levels. "Meron akong commitment at obligasyon sa taong bayan to defend and uphold the Constitution, and may oath na sinubscribe before I assumed office." Fresh start Aquino pointed out that with Gutierrez's resignation, the Office of the Ombudsman would have a "fresh start." "Baka naman mas may kumpyansa na tayong lahat na 'yung mga kasong isusulong ay talagang pupunta sa dapat niyang kahantungan na wala na tayong agam-agam na magkakaroon pa ng mahihinang kaso na isasampa na magiging daan para pumasok 'yung tinatawag na konsepto ng double jeopardy," the President said. He pointed out that the country's lawmakers may now concentrate on passing measures, particularly his administration's priority bills. "Marami tayong panukalang batas na isinulong sa lehislatura — over 20 ang ating priority bills — na matutukan na nang husto itong mga mungkahing ito na kakailanganin po natin para mapausad ang ating bansa, lipunan at ekonomiya," he said. Asked if Gutierrez's resignation would free her from future trials, Aquino said he wanted to be "realistic." He pointed out he needs to deliver on his campaign promise of fighting corruption in government. When he was vying for presidency, Aquino stressed the need for judicial reform, such as focusing only on the rule of law, delivering its message, and securing the conviction. The President said there has to be prioritization in adjudicating cases. "I'm not saying least priority si Merceditas but there are people who have higher priority," Aquino pointed out. Asked if the new Ombudsman will be given a fresh term or complete the unfinished term of Gutierrez, Aquino said: "I asked the Executive Secretary and other legal counsels to check on that." "I have to be reminded of exactly what the developments were with [the Palace's legal office]. I’m not prepared to answer that categorically now," he added. Gutierrez herself replaced former Ombudsman Simeon Marcelo who had resigned in November 2005 in the middle of his term after having served for only three years. Senator Francis Escudero filed a petition with the Supreme Court asking whether Gutierrez would only serve the remainder of Marcelo's term which ended in October 2009, or did she get a fresh, full seven year term. The high court has not yet resolved that petition as of posting time. However, Section 8 of Republic Act 6770 or the “Act providing for the functional and structural organization of the Office of the Ombudsman" states that “In case of vacancy in the Office of the Ombudsman due to death, resignation, removal or permanent disability of the incumbent Ombudsman, the Overall Deputy shall serve as Acting Ombudsman in a concurrent capacity until a new Ombudsman shall have been appointed for a full term." Resignation At 10:30 a.m. Friday, Gutierrez went to Malacañang to personally tender her letter of resignation to the President. Her resignation takes effect on May 6. "Upon the effectivity of my resignation, I shall be reverted to the status of a sovereign citizen who will continue working for good governance," Gutierrez wrote in her resignation letter. Gutierrez is accused of sitting on several corruption cases against former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, including the ZTE-NBN, the Euro Generals, and the fertilizer fund scam. Gutierrez also served as Justice secretary in the Arroyo administration. She was named Ombudsman in December 2005. Over the past months, Gutierrez had rejected calls to step down as she felt being bullied by those calling for her impeachment and resignation without giving her a chance to defend herself. Gutierrez's decision to quit from her post came almost a month after Deputy Ombudsman Mark Jalandoni tendered his resignation. Jalandoni, who has been accused of usurpation of official functions and authority, earlier resigned to "spare the Office of the Ombudsman from further controversy." — with Marnie Tonson/LBG/RSJ, GMA News