Acting Ombudsman vows stronger probe functions

Acting Ombudsman Margarito Gervacio Jr. said yesterday he would strengthen the fact-finding and intelligence functions of the anti-graft body and make it more aggressive in investigating and prosecuting crooks in the government service.

He said additional lawyers would be recruited to expand the manpower capability of the Fact-Finding and Intelligence Board (FFIB) from 22 to 88 lawyers to work on the backlog and cope with a growing workload.

"To be effective, we need to strengthen the FFIB, which is the workhorse of the Ombudsman," Gervacio said. "Our people are entitled to a speedy resolution of their cases regardless of their stature because it is guaranteed by the Constitution."

Gervacio, 64, took over from Ombudsman Aniano Desierto, who retired after completing his seven-year term. Gervacio is a former trial court judge who joined the Ombudsman as prosecutor in 1984 and rose from the ranks to become Overall Deputy Ombudsman.

Lawmakers as well as officials and employees of the Office of the Ombudsman have asked President Arroyo to appoint Gervacio as permanent replacement to Desierto. The President is expected to name her choice to the post in the next few weeks.

Gervacio said he would impose a 60-day limit in the evaluation of cases to fight the perception that investigations in the Ombudsman proceed at a snail’s pace.

"With a stronger FFIB, which is currently headed by veteran prosecutor Gerardo Lantoria, we can reduce the backlog of cases to a tolerable level and we can quickly attend to new ones," he said. "With adequate manpower, we can be aggressive in the investigation and prosecution of cases," he added.