On reading “Ombudsman Martires: Cupidity? Stupidity?” by Solita Collas Monsod (Get Real, 9/26/20), I couldn’t absolutely say whether I should get angry, just laugh it off, wonder, or get infected with stupidity.
If the claims of Monsod on Ombudsman Samuel Martires (which I know are true) are to be accepted by us readers, something is terribly wrong.
Martires holds an office that is highly respected by the Filipino people, as supposedly the home of lawyers with longstanding integrity, honor, and great distinction.
If Martires seemingly “misreads” the provisions of the law with regard to the issuance of statements of assets, liabilities and net worth, the idea that he is trying to hide something from the public comes to mind.
This assumption, in turn, does not allow me to misread Monsod’s article proving Martires’ “degree of cupidity” while being seated in an office previously occupied by officials who were held in the highest regard by the public.
Jose M. Briones
jomebriones@yahoo.com