Who will be the next OMB chief?
The next Ombudsman will take the place of Merceditas Gutierrez, who resigned in May days before her impeachment trial in the Senate was set to begin.
The House of Representatives impeached Gutierrez on March 22 for alleged betrayal of public trust due to the Office of the Ombudsman’s low conviction rate and her failure to act on five high-profile cases, including the fertilizer scam and NBN-ZTE deal.
President Aquino earlier accused Gutierrez of turning a blind eye to corrupt practices of the Arroyo administration.
The Constitution empowers the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate illegal acts of any public official and “to direct officers concerned to take appropriate action against a public official at fault and recommend removal, suspension, fine or prosecution, among other sanctions.”
Who are qualified for the position? Any natural-born Filipino at least 40 years old who did not run in the last elections. He or she must also have been a judge or a law practitioner in the country for at least 10 years.
The Ombudsman shall be appointed by the President from a list of at least six nominees prepared by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC). They shall serve for a term of seven years without reappointment.
(Marielle Medina of Inquirer Research compiled information about the nominees based on the curriculum vitae that each prospective Ombudsman submitted to the JBC. Kate Pedroso, also of Inquirer Research, provided additional research.)
1. AGAWA, Alfredo
Age: 72
Education:
- University of Nueva Caceres (1963), Bachelor of Laws
- University of Nueva Caceres (1959), Associate in Arts
- Current Position: n/a
Work Experience:
- RTC judge (May 2000-January 2009)
- City prosecutor (December 1996-May 2000)
- Assistant prosecutor(September 1980- February 1996)
- Election registrar, Comelec (August 1967- August 1980)
Endorser: Not indicated
2. AGUINALDO, Philip
Age: 53
Education:
- University of Santo Tomas [UST] (1979-1983), Bachelor of Laws, cum laude
- UST (1975-1979), AB
Current Position:
- Presiding judge, Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court
Work Experience:
- Senior state prosecutor (1993-2002)
- Associate professor, University of Santo Tomas (since 1979)
Endorser: Not indicated
3. APOSTOL, Pelagio
Age: 59
Education:
- San Sebastian College of Law / Manuel L. Quezon University (1982-1986), Bachelor of Laws
- Arellano University (1975-1980), BSC
Current Position: Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas
Work Experience:
- Assistant Ombudsman (May 2002-August 2007)
- OIC-director, Epib, Office of the Ombudsman (January 2000-May 2002)
- Special prosecution officer, Office of the Ombudsman (1994-2000)
- Court attorney, Supreme Court (1990-1994)
- Senior budget specialist, Department of Budget and Management (1989-1990)
- Budget analyst, Department of Budget and Management (1982-1989)
Endorser: Crisanta Gabriel, deputy secretary general, Council for Restoration of Filipino Values
4. ARMAMENTO, Leah
Age: 51
Education:
- Ateneo de Manila University (1981-1985), Bachelor of Laws
Far Eastern University (1976-1980), BS Nursing
Current Position: Justice undersecretary
Work Experience:
- Associate solicitor, Office of the Solicitor General (1987-1991)
- Prosecutor, Department of Justice (1991-1995)
- Endorser: Jerry S. Yap, president, National Press Club
5. BELTRAN, Procopio Jr.
Age: 72
Education:
- Far Eastern University (1970-1974), Bachelor of Laws
- Far Eastern University (1958-1964), BSC
Current Position: Lawyer
Work Experience:
- Manager, Nationwatch Projects for Integrated Bar of the Philippines [IBP] (2000-2003)
- Senior deputy director for Development Legal Aid, IBP (1999-2003)
- Deputy director, IBP National Legal Aid Program (1994-1999)
- Endorser: Not indicated
6. BONOAN, Emmanuel
Age: 46
Education:
- University of Warwick, United Kingdom (1999), Master of Laws in International Economic Law Juris Doctor
- Ateneo School of Law (1994), Juris Doctor
- Ateneo de Manila University (1988), BS Management
Current Position:
- Chief operating officer, Manabat
- San Agustin Co., CPAs (since January 2007)
Work Experience:
- President (2006), Verisant Inc.,
- Undersecretary (February 2004 to December 2005), Department of Finance
Endorser: Baltazar N. Endriga
7. BUSTOS-ONGKEKO, Divinagracia
Age: 50
Education:
- UP Diliman (1981-1985), Bachelor of Laws
- UP Diliman (1978-1981), AB
Current Position:
- Presiding judge, Sta. Cruz, Laguna RTC 91; Executive Judge, Sta. Cruz, Laguna
- Regional Trial Court; Law Professor,
- Laguna State Polytechnic University
Work Experience:
- Acting presiding judge, Sta. Cruz, Laguna RTC 28 (2007-2009)
- Corporate secretary and director, Chamber of Pawnbrokers of the Philippines (2001-2004)
- Senior partner, Ongkeko and Arroyo Law Office (1996-2004)
Endorser: Not indicated
8. CALIDA, Jose
Age: 60
Education:
- Ateneo de Manila Law School (1969-1973), Bachelor of Laws
- Ateneo de Davao University (1965-1969), AB English, cum laude
Current Position:
- Practicing lawyer, J. Calida & Associates Law Firm
- Chair and president, Vigilant Investigative and Security Agency
Work Experience:
- Executive director, Dangerous Drugs Board (Jan. 21-Oct. 31, 2004)
- Undersecretary, Department of Justice (March 12, 2001 to Jan. 20, 2004)
Endorser: Rodrigo R. Duterte, vice mayor of Davao City; Charlie A.V. Gorayeb, national president, Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Association
9. CALLEJA, Howard
Age: 44
Education:
- Duke University (1996-1997), LL.M
- Ateneo Law School (1990-1994), Juris Doctor
- University of Sto. Tomas (1984-1989), BS Physical Therapy
Current Position: Senior managing partner, Calleja Law Office; Professor,
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila,Ateneo de Manila University, Far Eastern University and Assumption College
Work Experience:
- Consultant (chief of staff), Office
- of Rep. Imelda R. Lopez (1998-2001)
- Legal counsel, representative, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, Comelec Advisory Council on Poll Automation and Modernization
Endorser: Frances Quimpo, executive director, Center for Environmental Concerns
10. CARAO, Felix Jr.
Age: 75
Education:
- San Beda College (1957-1961), Bachelor of Laws
- San Beda College (1957), Associate in Arts
Current Position:
- Partner, Saguisag Carao and Associates
Work Experience:
- Senior associate, ACCRA Law (1973-1976)
Endorser: Avelino V. Cruz, chair, San Beda Law Alumni Association
11. CARPIO-MORALES, Conchita
Age: 69
Education:
- Bachelor of Laws, UP College of Law, 1968
- BA Economics, University of the Philippines, 1964
Current Position: Associate justice, Supreme Court (set to retire next week on her 70th birthday)
Work Experience:
- Associate justice, Court of Appeals, 7th Division (1994-2002)
- Judge, Regional Trial Court, Pasay, 1986
- Judge, Regional Trial Court Branch 132, Pili, Camarines Sur, 1983-1986
- Senior State Counsel, Department of Justice (1971-1983)
- Special Assistant to Justice Secretary Vicente Abad Santos, (1971)
- Assistant Attorney, Atienza Tabora and Del Rosario Law offices, (1968)
Endorser: Beda Fajardo, president, UP Law Alumni Association; and three others
12. CASIMIRO, Orlando
Age: 64
Education:
- Silliman University (1971-1975), LL.B,
- Silliman University (1971), MA Anthropology
- Silliman University (1964-1969), BBA Management
Current Position: Acting Ombudsman
Work Experience:
- OIC-Overall Deputy Ombudsman (March-August 2006)
- Deputy Ombudsman for Moleo(2000-2006)
- OIC-Assistant Ombudsman-Firo(August-November 1999)
- Private counsel, AT Diaz Realty (1985-1989)
Endorser: Bro. Mike Z. Velarde
13. CHAVEZ, Francisco I.
Age: 64
Education:
- University of the Philippines (1971), Bachelor of Laws,
- West Negros College (1967), AB English
Work Experience:
- Founding partner, Chavez Miranda & Aseoche Law Offices (since 2000)
- Founding partner, Chavez Laureta & Associates (1992-1999)
- Member, board of directors,Petron-Aramco (1994-1997)
- Member, board of directors, PCSO (1988-1991)
- Member, board of directors, Philippine Airlines (1988-1991)
- Solicitor general (1987-1992)
- Founder/general counsel, Brotherhood of Nationalistic Involved and Free Attorneys to Combat Injustice and Oppression (1983-1987)
- Partner, Sycip Salazar Hernandez and Gatmaitan Law Offices (1979-1987)
Endorser: Sandra M. Cam, president, Whistle Blowers Association of the Philippines
14. DIOKNO, Manuel
Age: 50
Education:
- Northern Illinois University College of Law (1983-1986), Juris Doctor of Laws
- University of the Philippines (1978-1983), Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Current Position:
- Dean, De La Salle University College of Law
Work Experience:
- Presidential Human Rights Committee during the Aquino and Ramos administrations
- Member, Committee on Human Rights and Due Process, Integrated Bar of the Philippines
- Team leader and private prosecutor during the impeachment proceedings against former President Joseph Estrada
- General counsel, Senate blue ribbon committee (2001-2004)
- Special counsel, Development Bank of the Philippines (2004-2006)
Endorser: Pablito Sanidad, Edre Olalia, Theodore Te and Bishop Pedro Arigo
15. FAYLONA, Donato
Age: 63
Education:
- Ateneo Law School (1973), Bachelor of Laws
- Ateneo de Manila University (1969), Bachelor of Arts
Current Position:
- Faculty, Ateneo Law School (since 1983);
- Founder, DonatoT. Faylona Law Office
Endorser: Frederico Agcaoili, president of ADMU 616569 Foundation
16. FRANCISCO, Ernesto B. Jr.
Age: 48
Education:
- Ateneo De Manila University Law School (1985-1989) Bachelor of Laws
- UST (1979-1985), Bachelor of Arts major in Political Science,
Current Position: Lawyer, professor
Work Experience:
- Professorial lecturer, Constitutional Law, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila College of Law
- Assistant professorial lecturer, Constitutional Law, De La Salle University College of Law
- Principal proprietor, Law Office of Ernesto B. Francisco Jr., (1999 to present)
- Senior associate attorney (1995-1998), Junior associate attorney (1990-1994), Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices
- Legislative staff assistant (1988-1990), Office of Sen. Ernesto F. Herrera, Senate of the Philippines
Endorser: Eddie Among Ed Panlilio, former Pampanga governor and 7 others
17. FRANCISCO, Raymundo
Age: 61
Education:
- Ateneo de Manila Graduate School (1980-1982), MBA-SEP
- Ateneo de Manila Law School (1971-1976), LL.B
- Ateneo de Manila University (1968-1971), AB
Current Position: Principal, Francisco, Bassig & Diaz Law Offices; chair,
Fourspoons Ventures Corp.; director, Sports Grill Phils.; president, FSP Land Development Corp.; chair/director, New Century Concepts; director, Magnus Sports.; director, Accu-Rate Ballistics
Work Experience:
- Bar examiner, Labor Laws 2002 Bar Examinations
- Legal consultant, Directorate for Legal Affairs, Philippine Center for Transnational Crime
- President, Aero Exponents, Inc.
- Assistant vice president, Commercial Banking Corp.
- Professor, Ateneo de Manila University
Endorser: Not indicated
18. GENERILLO, Catalino Jr.
Age: 57
Education:
- Lyceum of the Philippines (1978-1982), LL.B
- Lyceum of the Philippines (1969-1973), BSC
Work Experience:
- Special counsel, PCGG (2001-2009)
- Senior vice president, Real Bank (2001-2003)
- Vice president, Philippine National Bank (1991-1999)
Endorser: Jose Macario Laurel IV, president, Phil Ambassadors Foundation; and three others
19. HORMACHUELOS, Portia
Age: 69
Education:
- University of the Philippines-NCPAG (1976-1978), Master of Public Ad; CGM
- U.V.-School of Law (1959-1963), LL.B
Current Position: Associate Justice, Court of Appeals
Work Experience:
- Vice Executive Judge, Regional Trial Court (1993-1995), Cebu
- State Prosecutor (1980-1986), Department of Justice
- Private law practice (1963-1964; 1968-1969), Aliño Law Office, Cebu Endorser: Jordan M. Pizarras, Pizarras & Associates Law Offices
20. INFANTE, Amelia
Age: 65
Education:
- Far Eastern University (1973), Bachelor of Laws
- University of the East (1964), BBA
Current Position: Presiding judge, Regional Trial Court Branch 09, Manila (since 1997)
Work Experience:
- Senior partner, Villanueva and Infante Law Offices (1980-1997)
- Associate trial attorney, Quisumbing, Caparas, Ilagan, Alcantara, Tabios Mosqueda Law Offices (1976-1980)
- Agent, NBI Manila (1967-1976)
Endorser: Judge Amor Reyes and Antonio Eugenio Jr.
21. JARDELEZA, Francis
Age: 61
Education:
- Harvard Law School (1977), Master of Laws
- University of the Philippines (1974), Bachelor of Laws
- UP Iloilo (1969), BA Political Science
Work Experience:
- General counsel, San Miguel Corp. (January 1996-June 2010)
- Partner, Roco Buñag Kapunan Migallos & Jardeleza Law Offices (August 1992 -December 1995)
- Partner, Jardeleza Law Offices (August 1990-July 1992)
- Partner, Jardeleza Sobreviñas Diaz Hayudini & Bodegon Law Offices (January 1987-July 1990)
- Associate Partner, Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices (1975-1986)
Endorser: Rafael A. Morales
22. MANUEL, Marlon
Age: 41
Education:
- Ateneo School of Law (1994), Juris Doctor
- Ateneo de Manila University (1990), BS Management (Legal Management)
Current Position:
National coordinator, Alternative Law Groups
Work Experience:
- Partner, Dellosa Mendoza Bagao & Manuel Law Office (since June 2009)
- Professor and bar review lecturer, Ateneo de Manila (since June 1996); UST, (since June 2010)
- Executive director, Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap Panligal, (May 1996-December 2007)
- Professor, Pamantasan ng Lunsod ng Maynila College of Law, (June 2004-June 2006)
- Associate, Sycip Salazar Hernandez and Gatmaitan Law Offices (November 1994-April 1996)
Endorsers: Some 70 people, including Christian Monsod, Hector D. Soliman and Ernesto D. Garilao
23. MOSQUERA, Gerard A.
Age: 44
Education:
- Harvard University (2009–2010), Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Kings College London, University of London (2001-2002), Master of Laws (LLM)
- Ateneo de Manila University (1986-1992), School of Law Bachelor of Laws (LL.B)
- Ateneo de Manila University (1982-1986), College of Arts and Sciences Bachelor of Science (BS), Major in Management,
Current Position: Commissioner, Presidential Commission on Good Government. Since Nov. 8, 2010
Work Experience:
- Chief of party, Justice Institutions Strengthening Project in East Timor,
- (June 28, 2005-Nov. 5, 2010)
- Senior legal adviser and program manager for anticorruption, Rule of Law Effectiveness Project, a USAID-funded international development project in the Philippines implemented by Management Systems International (Nov. 20, 2004-June 27, 2005)
- Director for investigation, Office of the Ombudsman of the Philippines, (March 5, 2003-April 21, 2003)
- Special consultant on internal affairs, Department of Finance, formulated the blueprint and initial draft executive order for the Revenue Integrity Protection Service (Sept. 16, 2002-March 4, 2003)
- Senior partner, Mosquera Dy Buco Alaba and Albano, (June 15, 1996-Oct. 18, 2001)
Endorser: Marifi P Chua, Rudiger G. Falcis II, Fr. Albert E. Alejo S.J. and Elvie Eullaran-Albano
24. RAMOS, Renan
Age: 51
Education:
- UP Diliman (1981-1985), Bachelor of Laws,
- UP Diliman (1977-1981), AB Economics
Current Position: Assistant Solicitor General, Office of the Solicitor General
Work Experience:
- Solicitor III, Office of the Solicitor General (1995-2003)
- Solicitor II, Office of the Solicitor General (1992-1995)
- Solicitor I, Office of the Solicitor General (1990-1992)
Endorser: Not indicated
25. SEÑERES, Roy
Age: 63
Education:
- San Beda College Manila (1971), Bachelor of Laws
- UST (1963-1967), Bachelor of Arts major in Political Science
Work Experience:
- Chair, National Labor Relations Commission, Department of Labor and Employment (June 2000 to 2005)
- Ambassador, Embassy of the Philippines, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (1994 to 1998)
- Labor attaché, Embassy of the Philippines, Washington D.C. (1990-1993)
- Labor attaché, Embassy of the Philippines, Abu Dhabi, UAE (1984-1990)
- Acting regional director for Northern Mindanao, Department of Labor (1976)
- Assistant regional director for Metro Manila, Department of Labor (1977-1984)
Endorser: Not indicated
26. TUQUERO, Artemio G.
Age: 78
Education:
- Manuel L. Quezon University, Bachelor of Laws, 1956
- Current Position: Retired
- Work Experience:
- College of Law Dean, Universidad de Manila (July 2010–December 2010)
- President, Universidad de Manila (2009–June 2010)
- Dean, MLQU (2003-2009)
- Justice secretary (2000-2001)
Endorser: Pete Principe, executive vice president, Philippine Trial Lawyers Association; Rodil Zalameda, associate justice, Court of Appeals
27. VILLARIN, Florencio
Age: 77
Education:
- Bachelor of Laws (1959), University of San Carlos
- NBI National Academy (Manila 196); Baguio (1984)
- FBI National Academy, Washington D.C., USA (1970)
Current Position: Practicing lawyer
Work Experience:
- Executive officer, NBI Regional Office, Cebu 1984-1989
- NBI regional director for Central Visayas 1990-1999
Endorser: Not indicated
Source: Judicial and Bar Council
