Ombudsman also concurrent special prosecutor

MANILA, Philippines - Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez is temporarily holding the post of special prosecutor, which Dennis Villa-Ignacio vacated on Feb. 24, in concurrent capacity.

A STAR source within the anti-graft agency said she will continue holding both posts unless an order is issued appointing an officer-in-charge (OIC).   

“With the vacancy, she takes over the position,” the source said, noting that Gutierrez is expected to designate someone to temporarily head the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

The OIC, the source explained, will supervise the work of government lawyers handling graft cases at the Sandiganbayan until President Arroyo appoints a new special prosecutor.

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has already screened those who are applying for the position and is expected to submit a shortlist to Malacanang.

These vying for the post include Deputy Special Prosecutor Robert Kallos; Acting Deputy Special Prosecutors Jesus Micael and Wendel Sulit; Assistant Special Prosecutor III Hazelina Militante; and Prosecution Bureau VI Director Diosdado Calonge.

Villa-Ignacio’s seven-year term ended last Feb. 24, more than a week after the Office of the Ombudsman’s Internal Affairs Board (IAB) recommended that he be dismissed from the service for dishonesty.

Malacañang is yet to act on the recommendation which is backed by a supplemental order from Ombudsman Gutierrez herself stating that the offense committed constitutes betrayal of public trust.

Villa-Ignacio, claiming that he is being persecuted, has filed a motion for reconsideration questioning the IAB’s authority as well as its findings.