Retired SC justice Morales takes oath as Ombudsman

A year after administering the oath of office to then newly-elected President Benigno Aquino III, it was retired Supreme Court Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales’ turn on Wednesday to swear before Aquino as the country’s new Ombudsman. Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda on Wednesday said Morales’ assumption of office “inaugurates a new era of integrity and independence in this crucial constitutional office." Aquino announced Morales’ appointment during his second State of the Nation Address last Monday.

Earlier in the day, Aquino expressed confidence that Morales can do the job and be at the forefront of his administration’s fight against graft and corruption. Last year, Aquino chose to take his oath before Morales instead of Chief Justice Renato Corona, whose appointment he questioned. Corona had served as former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s chief of staff, spokesman, and acting executive secretary. Aquino said then that he would not recognize Corona’s appointment, insisting that Corona’s appointment on May 17, 2010 was a violation of the 1987 Constitution. Section 15, Article 7 of the Constitution bars the incumbent president from making appointments two months before the elections and until his term ends. Present during Morales’ oath-taking were her husband, Eugenio Morales Jr., and their three children, Eugenio III, Umberto and Jazrina. Vice President Jejomar Binay was also present to Morales’ oath-taking. Others who attended the event were former Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Presidential Management Staff chief Julia Abad and Land Registration Authority administrator Eulalio Diaz. Morales replaced Merceditas Gutierrez, who resigned last May days before she was expected to face an impeachment trial at the Senate. She was accused of betrayal of public trust for her alleged inaction on several high profile graft cases committed during the Arroyo administration. - Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMA News