New Ombudsman gets bishops' nod

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MANILA, Philippines - Members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) are praising the appointment of former Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales as the new Ombudsman.

A CBCPNews report said the prelates are hoping that Morales would have the independence and impartiality in resolving cases involving powerful political figures.

“I wish that the new Ombudsman would truly be honest in doing her job and be relentless in fighting corruption,” said Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo.

Even retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz, a critic of the Aquino administration, thinks that Morales is a “good choice” for the job.

“I have heard very good things about her. But the taste in the pudding is in the eating so let’s see but I think she will do well,” Cruz said.

Taglibaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso, meanwhile, said the Ombudsman should not be “selective” in filing charges against alleged corrupt politicians.

He called on Morales to also run after government officials involved in anomalies not just during the administration of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

President Aquino announced Morales' appointment during last Monday's State of the Nation Address.

Meanwhile, the CBCP said it will support government efforts to combat corruption.

“The Church had long been involved and continues its crusade against corruption and if the government is really serious, we can work together, said Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez, who heads the CBCP’s Committee on Public Affairs.

source: abs-cbnnews.com