Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires said that he has full trust and confidence on the integrity and competencies of the three (3) nominees in the shortlist of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) for the position of Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao. The JBC shortlist, released in May 17, 2021 includes Atty. Beda A. Epres, Atty. Maria Iluminada S. Lapid-Viva and Atty. Anderson Ang Lo. The position is yet to be filled by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
The Ombudsman said that the three (3) nominees have undergone vetting process by himself through exhaustive background checks. “Nothing turned up derogatory in my vetting, no one has a record of graft and corruption in their present and previous positions or employments,” said the Ombudsman.
“If I can have it my way to appoint and create two more positions, I would like them to all serve as Deputy Ombudsmen for Mindanao.” ###
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