MANILA, July 26, 2011— Catholic bishops have welcomed Tuesday the appointment of former Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales as the country’s chief graft-buster.
The prelates said they are hoping that Morales would have the independence and impartiality in resolving cases involving powerful political figures.
“I wish that the new Ombudsman would truly be honest in doing her job and be relentless in fighting corruption,” said Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo.
Even retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz, a critic of the Aquino administration, thinks that Morales is a “good choice” for the job.
“I have heard very good things about her. But the taste in the pudding is in the eating so let’s see but I think she will do well,” Cruz said.
Taglibaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso, meanwhile, said that the Ombudsman should not be “selective” in filing charges against alleged corrupt politicians.
He called on Morales to also run after government officials involved in anomalies not just during the administration of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Morales’ appointment as the new Ombudsman was announced yesterday by President Aquino during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Aquino said Morales will be the one to go after unscrupulous government officials.
Morales will take over the post vacated by Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez who resigned in the height of impeachment complaints against her for alleged inaction on the cases involving Arroyo and her allies. [CBCPNews]
