Ombudsman running after 'big fish and small fry' - official

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman runs after the “big fish and the small fry” in prosecuting cases of graft and corruption in government, a top official of the agency said yesterday.

Reacting to criticisms from former ombudsman Simeon Marcelo, Assistant Ombudsman Jose de Jesus said the conviction of a corrupt official, whether big or small, is a victory to the anti-graft agency.

“However, since there are more public employees than officials occupying higher positions in government, it follows that more cases are resolved against the small fry than the big fish,” he said.

De Jesus said recently Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez has ordered the filing of graft charges in court against Bukidnon Rep. Nereus Acosta and his mother, former Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon mayor Socorro Acosta.

Gutierrez also suspended Assistant Secretary Elpidio Opida, Executive Director Estanislao Granados Jr., Director Lourdes Santiago, Director Cirila Botor and Esterlita Mecor, all of the Department of Budget and Management; Brig. Gen. Ric Brillantes, Army Supply Command chief; and Army chief accountant Editha Santos, he added.

De Jesus said Gutierrez has adopted a two-pronged approach – prevention and prosecution – in solving graft and corruption in government.

“As such, the Office of the Ombudsman has implemented various graft prevention project aimed at educating government officials, and even the youth in graft laws,” he said.

De Jesus said several anti-corruption projects of the Office of the Ombudsman were funded by the European Commission.

That agreement was signed under Marcelo’s watch, he added. – Michael Punongbayan