Ombudsman monitoring problem agencies

MANILA, Philippines - Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales is keeping watch over problem agencies that President Aquino mentioned in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last week.

Assistant Ombudsman Asryman Rafanan said departments like the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Bureau of Immigration (BI), and National Irrigation Administration (NIA) are of priority concern.

“Insofar as resolving cases that concern these agencies, the ombudsman has maintained the standing order to speedily and judiciously resolve these priority cases,” he said.

“In terms of structural approaches in remedying the situation, she leaves it up to the executive or legislative branches of government.”

Aquino’s 4th SONA specifically mentioned the agencies for lackluster performance resulting in a change of leadership in the NIA and BI and a major overhaul at the BOC.