Ex-ombudsman endorses Quimbo

MANILA, Philippines — Former ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has endorsed the mayoralty bid of Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo in Marikina, calling her a “rare leader with both heart and competence” at a time when the city faces major challenges.

Morales, who served as Ombudsman from 2011 to 2018, said Quimbo’s track record in public service, integrity and governance makes her the best choice for Marikina’s future.

“I’ve seen how damaging it is when the wrong people hold public office. Stella is different. She’s clean, capable and deeply committed to serving the people,” Morales said in a statement.

Quimbo, a former commissioner of the Philippine Competition Commission and a respected academic, is running to replace the incumbent mayor amid growing concerns over Marikina’s rising debt, worsening flooding and increasing pressure on healthcare and education systems.

As a lawmaker, Quimbo helped author landmark legislation like the Universal Healthcare law and bills promoting education reform and fair budget allocations.

“This is not a time for trial and trial. Marikina needs a leader who knows what she’s doing,” Morales said.

Morales, known for her fierce anti-corruption stance, received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service in 2016, widely regarded as Asia’s Nobel Prize.

“In all her years in government, she has never faced a single case of corruption,” Morales said.