New deputy Ombudsman to continue past programs

There will be no changes in office policy, plans and programs of his predecessor, said Pelagio Apostol, who is finally set to formally assume tomorrow his post as the new deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas.

“Walang mababago, ipagpatuloy ko ang lahat nang programs,” Apostol said. “Kung ano yong official act ipagpatuloy natin yan,”

Apostol’s assumption to office has been delayed because he was sent abroad to lecture on anti-corruption.

Now that he is ready to take on his new role, Apostol promised that he would not impose changes in the present policies and programs left behind by his predecessor Primo Miro and by the acting deputy ombudsman Virginia Palanca Santiago.

Apostol also said that no existing cases will be affected, and that pending inquiries and fact-finding investigations, especially those related to the Asean Summit projects, will be pursued.

He will not be cowed by politicians as to influence him in the conduct of the investigation, said Apostol who has been used to political pressure when he was among those who investigated the ousted president, Joseph Estrada.

President Gloria Arroyo appointed Apostol over other applicants considering that he was the most senior among those who applied from the Ombudsman-Visayas itself.

The president also admitted when she announced Apostol’s appointment in Cebu that, of all those who applied, only Apostol has nobody to lobby for his appointment.

Apostol’s assumption to office tomorrow is expected to be without problem anymore especially with the support of Santiago and all the staff at the Ombudsman-Visayas office.

Santiago, who also vied for the position, welcomed Apostol’s appointment and said he is very qualified. —  Fred P. Languido/RAE