Who’ll be new Ombudsman?

The resignation of Ombudsman Simeon Marcelo has started a frenzy of lobbying among those hoping to be the next to occupy his post, sources said yesterday.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said President Arroyo accepted with "profound regret" Marcelo’s resignation, which will take effect on Nov. 30 to give the President ample time to look for a suitable replacement. Marcelo resigned due to health problems.

"Since his appointment in October 2002, Ombudsman Marcelo has been working extremely hard to institute much-needed reforms to intensify the administration’s campaign against graft and corruption," Ermita said.

"We fully appreciate his desire to return to private practice and spend more time taking care of his health and looking after his family. Despite overwhelming odds such as the lack of personnel and resources, the Office of the Ombudsman under his able leadership has proven to be a true protector of the people’s interest," he added.

Marcelo denied there was any malice or pressure from the Palace pushing him to leave public life.

Sources said Palace insiders and "The Firm" — the nickname of Villaraza & Angangco Law Offices which allegedly have links to the President — are pushing two names as contenders to replace Marcelo.

"Sandiganbayan Justice Diosdado Peralta is being backed by (Special Assistants to the President) Carlos and Erlinda de Leon while ‘The Firm’ is lobbying for its own senior partner, Raoul Angangco," the sources said.

Marcelo was also a senior partner of "The Firm" before he joined the government.

Another nominee is Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito Zuño, who was a contender when Marcelo was appointed in October 2002.

With his resignation, Marcelo cut short his seven-year term, which would have ended in October 2009. As Ombudsman, he can only be removed from office through impeachment, just like the President and other heads and members of independent constitutional bodies.

The 52-year-old former private lawyer, who was appointed solicitor general in February 2001, said his dogged work style — seven days a week and at least 13 hours daily — had exacted a heavy toll on his health, leaving him "physically and mentally exhausted."

"The culprit really is my health. It’s like burning a candle from both ends. I have ulcers, hypertension and insomnia. In fairness (to the President), and no malice, pagod lang talaga ako (I’m really tired)," Marcelo insisted.    

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said "Marcelo has a brilliant legal mind and he has been working, pushing for the anti-corruption campaign of the President."

"I believe that during his tenure as Ombudsman he has made significant gains in working for the improvement of the system and he has made a very big start," Bunye said. — Aurea Calica