Ombudsman mulls review of law 'saving' reelected pols
05/29/2007 | 08:34 PM
Saying the measure should be considered for amendment, Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez on Tuesday branded as "unfair" the law which cancels administrative cases against officials who win reelection bids.
Gutierrez decried how the law such officials pursue electoral victories at all costs just to shake off due punishments and sanctions.
"Some who face administrative cases, by hook or by crook, resort to all sorts of election tactics so their administrative charges would be forgotten," Gutierrez said in Filipino.
The Ombudsman said that, "Is that right, that we just forget what happened before the elections?"
Aside from dodging the administrative cases, Gutierrez raised fears that reelected erring officials would be able to hide evidence of alleged anomalies.
"[After he or she wins], the official would always have access to the documents that could be used as evidence in investigations. That is one issue that we at the Office of the Ombudsman should closely study," Gutierrez added.
Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay and dismissed Pasay Mayor Wenceslao "Peewee" Trinidad, both aligned with the opposition, enjoyed favorable results on the May 14 vote.
Binay fought off suspension over allegations that he pocketed taxpayers' money from "ghost employees" at the Makati City Hall payroll.
Trinidad, however, was eventually removed from his post on claims that he and 10 other councilors approved questionable garbage collection contracts.
Iloilo Gov. Niel Tupas Sr, who was also supposed to be suspended over the alleged illegal disbursement of funds, similarly led the canvassing at the gubernatorial race. - GMANews.TV
Gutierrez decried how the law such officials pursue electoral victories at all costs just to shake off due punishments and sanctions.
"Some who face administrative cases, by hook or by crook, resort to all sorts of election tactics so their administrative charges would be forgotten," Gutierrez said in Filipino.
The Ombudsman said that, "Is that right, that we just forget what happened before the elections?"
Aside from dodging the administrative cases, Gutierrez raised fears that reelected erring officials would be able to hide evidence of alleged anomalies.
"[After he or she wins], the official would always have access to the documents that could be used as evidence in investigations. That is one issue that we at the Office of the Ombudsman should closely study," Gutierrez added.
Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay and dismissed Pasay Mayor Wenceslao "Peewee" Trinidad, both aligned with the opposition, enjoyed favorable results on the May 14 vote.
Binay fought off suspension over allegations that he pocketed taxpayers' money from "ghost employees" at the Makati City Hall payroll.
Trinidad, however, was eventually removed from his post on claims that he and 10 other councilors approved questionable garbage collection contracts.
Iloilo Gov. Niel Tupas Sr, who was also supposed to be suspended over the alleged illegal disbursement of funds, similarly led the canvassing at the gubernatorial race. - GMANews.TV
