The 4th Ombudsman of the Republic of the Philippines, MA. MERCEDITAS N. GUTIERREZ, is a graduate of the Ateneo Law School having her law degree in 1972. She started her government service as Legal Officer of the Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation (PADC). After a brief stint with PADC, she was appointed Presidential Legal Officer, Office of the President, where she served in the Legal Staff before she moved to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) as Legal Officer.

     She started her 21-year career with the Department of Justice in December 1983; as State Counsel (SC), Legal Staff Office. From there, she steadily rose from the ranks within the DOJ, becoming, in succession, SC, SC II, SC III, SC IV, Senior State Counsel, Assistant Chief Counsel and Undersecretary. Finally, she was appointed as Acting Secretary from November 27, 2002 to January 15, 2003, and again from December 24, 2003 to August 31, 2004.