By Raïssa Robles
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has just been nominated by a subordinate to become the new Ombudsman.
But before she can even be considered for the post, she will need to get a “clearance” certificate from the Office of the Ombudsman that she has no pending cases.
Problem is, some individuals recently filed two separate graft complaints against De Lima.
De Lima was charged with plunder by a certain Danilo Lihaylihay of Batasan Hills, Quezon City. He claimed he was supposed to receive P1.13 billion for being THE informant in the tax evasion cases of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) worth P3.6 billion and the Bank of America worth P217 million.
De Lima was also charged with graft for the deportation of 14 Taiwanese to China last February.
In nominating De Lima, Assistant State Prosecutor Romeo Senson described her as a person with –
incorruptible stand, integrity beyond reproach and character par excellence in public service.
But can she still obtain the necessary clearance from the Office of the Ombudsman whose remaining officials are at odds with her?
What’s really happening here?
See my related stories –
Stupendous requirements for new Ombudsman in such a short time could turn away candidates
Can ABS-CBN, GMA-7 and ABC-5 please grill “all” wannabe Ombudsman?
manuelbuencamino says
catch-22 . In order to become Ombudsman you need to be cleared by the Ombudsman.