Some bishops welcome Merci's resignation

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MANILA, Philippines - Some officials of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines welcomed news that Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez has resigned.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo and Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez said they are pleased with any step to provide credibility to the anti-graft body.

But Pabillo said Gutierrez’s resignation on Friday should not put a stop to the process to make the Ombudsman accountable for her alleged misdeeds.

“She’s playing brinkmanship. We should continue to make her accountable,” said Pabillo who chairs the CBCP’s National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and Peace.

Iñiguez said Gutierrez made the right move, saying “the truth will always come out.”

The bishops called on President Aquino to appoint a credible replacement for Gutierrez who will not be averse to prosecuting corrupt officials.

“Now is the time to watch Aquino’s seriousness to fight corruption. We’ll see who he is going to appoint as Ombudsman,” said Pabillo.

Activist priest Fr. Joe Dizon of Solidarity Philippines also said that the Ombudsman’s resignation only proves that the impeachment complaint against her is strong.

The situation now, he said, lies in the hand of Aquino to realize his campaign promise to combat rampant corruption in government.

“This is really a test for Aquino if he can appoint someone who will go against former President Arroyo and other corrupt officials,” Dizon said. Report from CBCP News


source: abs-cbnnews.com