Ombudsman needs 20 new lawyers

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman is hiring 20 new lawyers to boost the fight against graft and corruption in government.

The anti-graft agency announced the job vacancies yesterday through its Facebook account.

“Ombudsman is hiring. See list of vacancies at http://t.co/lhuufJqtYL,” the Office of the Ombudsman posted while providing a link to its official website.

The ombudsman is in need of 16 graft investigation and prosecution officers (GIPO) and four assistant special prosecutors (ASP).

Six other non-lawyer positions are up for grabs for qualified individuals, including five positions for administrative aide and one for chief administrative officer.

The agency vowed to strengthen its legal muscle to take the battle against corruption to a higher level a month after retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales was named ombudsman in July 2011.

GIPO-1 is the lowest ranking lawyer position at the Office of the Ombudsman but the compensation package is quite good.

New recruits have a starting gross monthly salary of P52,000, with allowances of up to P18,000 for food, transportation and other needs.

The agency’s compensation package is good enough to attract “dynamic, dedicated and hardworking lawyers with a passion for public service.”

According to the official announcement for vacant positions for lawyers, GIPO-1 applicants must have a bachelor of law degree and be a Bar exam passer, with at least three years of experience in the practice of law and at least 24 hours of relevant training.