Ombudsman Morales: I'm not intimidated by death threats

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales on Friday revealed that she has received a number of death threats since accepting the post last July, but assured the public she would not get intimidated. "I have received threats. I don't know if they are really threats or just bluffs... Some people have even said I wouldn't last a day because of these threats," Morales told reporters during her first-ever press conference since she assumed her post. "But I am not threatened... Maybe it's the other way around... I am ready to face these threats...," said Morales, who served as a Supreme Court justice before being appointed by President Benigno Aquino III as Ombudsman. Even if she remains unmoved by the threats, she said: "I will also not take them for granted." Despite her office handling high-profile cases involving influential government officials, she said would remain "impervious to influences and pressure." She assured the public that even if she was appointed by President Benigno Aquino III, she will not go soft on any of the officials under the present administration, who might end up having cases before the ombudsman. "The President never instructed me to do this or that. He just said that I should maintain my independence," Morales said. Also, she assured the public that she will not stay one more day in office after her term ends. "If it is my time to go, then I will leave my post," said Morales, who is to stay as Ombudsman for seven years. Morales replaced resigned and embattled former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, a known ally of former President Goria Macapagal Arroyo. — LBG, GMA News