Ombudsman lawyers to undergo enhancement classes

MANILA, Philippines -Around 280 Ombudsman lawyers will undergo enhancement classes in seven batches beginning next month to improve their skills in deciding cases and drafting action papers and eventually address the backlog of cases pending before the institution.

 This, following the recent launch of the Office of the Ombudsman and the British Embassy of the Rapid Assessment and Seminar on Case Analysis and Legal Draftsmanship (RASCALD) Initiative.

 The RASCALD Initiative is projecting an increase in the case disposition rate by 25% by the end of 2015 and achieve a zero case backlog by 2018, thereby boosting the Office’s efficiency in resolving corruption cases and enhancing the anti-corruption agenda of the government.   

 In simple ceremonies at the OMB Function Room in Quezon City, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales and British Embassy Manila Chargé d’Affaires Trevor Lewis signed an Accountable Grant Agreement for the RASCALD Initiative.

 In presenting the project overview, Director Dennis Russell Baldago of the OMB’s Project Management Bureau explained that the Agreement provides funding from the British Embassy to intensively train Ombudsman lawyers on the areas of case analysis and legal draftsmanship, and publish an Ombudsman Stylebook which will serve as a desk reference for graft investigation and prosecution officers. 

 Baldago stated that under the Project, a rapid assessment of the agency’s performance and implementation of the Ombudsman’s seven-year Policy Thrust and 8-Point Agenda (2011-2018) will also be conducted to aid it in formulating a roadmap for the next five years after gauging the strategic plan that was initiated two years ago. 

 In his message of support,  Lewis stated: “We are happy to support the RASCALD project, helping to deliver the top priorities of achieving a full disposition of high profile cases and zero backlog by 2018, and contribute to the work of setting a strategic Roadmap for Action from 2013 to 2018.”  

 Lewis cited the Ombudsman’s initiative in setting ambitious goals through the 8-Point Agenda, and introducing sustainable reforms in the institution through its Policy Thrust.

 He added: “Roadmaps are not just about technical jargon.  They lay out a vision for the future and say what needs to be done to deliver on that vision.  Establishing a thoroughly professional and well-respected institution is an essential element of the Ombudsman’s vision for the future.”  

 â€œPoliticians and personalities, even the greatest ones, come and go.  Enduring institutions, with highly skilled and motivated staff, stand the test of time.  And we recognise that this is the essence of what the Office of the Ombudsman is seeking to achieve; a high performing and self-confident organisation that will continue the fight against graft, even as the leadership changes…,” he added.