The lighter side of Ombudsman Morales

MANILA, Philippines - She’s a no-nonsense lady and has very little patience for those whose passion and professionalism do not match hers. 

She leaves her Muntinlupa home early and is at her desk by 6:30 a.m. She is forgiving of those who show up at 7 or 8 a.m., but those who show up past 9 a.m., she greets with a cold “good evening.”

As a trial judge in her younger days, she was known for being strict. A lawyer once sent word that he couldn't show up in court because he was sick. Judge Conchita Carpio-Morales sent her sheriff to the lawyer’s house to verify if the claim was true. The lawyer wasn’t at home. He was cited for contempt.

Even former Ombudsman Aniano Desierto was not spared of her confrontational ways. Desierto was quoted as saying Morales may not be able to handle the physical demands of her new job. Days later, while shoe-shopping, she was told Desierto was nearby. Morales confronted Desierto, pointed to her face, and asked, “Is this the face of a 70-year-old?” Desierto could only say he was misquoted.

“He (Desierto) was young when he was ombudsman but was he capable to make us a spotless state?” she asks. 

In a one-on-one interview with by Prof. Solita Monsod, Morales says these days, much of her time is spent working on the numerous cases filed by the public, on top of the high-profile cases her agency handles.

Asked if she still has time for her husband, Morales said “being a wife is not just a nocturnal activity. There’s always matinee.”  

GMA News TV’s Bawal ang Pasaway kay Mareng Winnie airs Monday nights   at 10.