Marcelo’s appointment hailed

The Philippine Bar Association, the oldest and largest voluntary association of lawyers in the country, hailed the appointment of Simeon Marcelo to the Office of the Ombudsman.

Association president Rolando De La Cuesta said Marcelo is more than qualified to don the robes of the Ombudsman considering his credentials and track record.

"Being a lawyer of recognized probity and independence, his appointment should usher in an Office of the Ombudsman that is politically independent and that would serve as an impartial watchdog of the government," De La Cuesta said.

Marcelo graduated among the top 10 of his class at the University of the Philippines, College of Law and placed 5th in the 1979 bar examinations. He has distinguished himself in his successful practice of law, particularly as a senior partner and head of the litigation department of a prestigious law firm. He figured prominently in the historic impeachment trial of deposed President Joseph Estrada when he acted as one of the lead private prosecutors.

The association also cited Marcelo’s dedication to public service when he was chairman of the National Committee for Legal Aid of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

Marcelo was the Solicitor General prior to his latest appointment.