Statement of Senator Loren Legarda on the Ombudsman’s Resignation

“THE RESIGNATION OF OMBUDSMAN MERCEDITAS GUTIERREZ IS A FITTING ACT TO PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN. AFTER ALL, THE COUNTRY’S LEAD ANTI-GRAFT AGENCY AND ITS OFFICIALS SHOULD BE FREE FROM CONTROVERSY IN ORDER TO EFFECTIVELY CARRY OUT THEIR MANDATED TASKS.
This now brings to a close the impeachment trial. In effect, the government will save a lot of money, which can be used for other essential needs of our people.
Furthermore, our focus will no longer be divided. The Senate can keep its concentration on important legislation.
But our fight against corruption is something we shall never put to rest. We shall continue to seek ways to make our government accountable, transparent, and responsive to the needs of our people.”