Koko backs Ombudsman's "zero-backlog" goal
to cleanse ranks of LGUs, public officials

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III today expressed support for the Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales' goal of "zero backlog" and establishment of "investment ombudsman" during her seven-year term as "protector of the people."

Pimentel, chairman of the Senate committee on justice and human rights, said the Ombudsman's goal would impact heavily on local government units, which would be the major beneficiaries of developments funds under the "Bigger Pie, Bigger Slice" bill he has filed and now awaiting passage by the Senate.

"The Ombudsman will definitely set the tone of public spending by the LGUs. This will institutionalize efficient spending of public money without leakage and without waste and in the spirit of public transparency, which is our common goal," said Pimentel.

His remarks followed a lecture that Ombudsman Morales delivered at the 5th Ombudsman Integrity Lecture at the Asian Development Bank Auditorium in Mandaluyong City.

Morales outlined an eight-point priority list, which placed at the top the disposition of high-profile cases, zero backlog, and improved "survival" rate of fact-finding.

Pimentel noted that an efficient disposal of corruption cases against local government officials is "absolutely necessary in our collective drive to create a new culture of public service aimed at the highest level."

He further said that those in the past "who enriched themselves in office should be meted out the corresponding punishment and made to suffer other stiff penalties."

He said the speedy disposition of cases will also clear those unfairly accused who have been subjected to political harassment and trial by publicity.

He said that politics often led to the filing of politically-motivated cases. "Speedy trials clear innocent victims, so that justice will be restored to them," he said.

"We are thereby ensuring the continuity of anti-corruption measures by telling our public officials and our people that the corrupt would be punished severely," Pimentel said.