Press Release
August 6, 2018

De Lima asks Senate to recognize sterling record of Carpio-Morales

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has asked the Senate leadership to recognize the distinguished career and invaluable contributions to the judiciary and public service of Retired Associate Justice and Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales.

De Lima has filed Senate Resolution (SR) No. 812 which seeks to honor the outstanding record of Carpio-Morales whose moral courage and commitment to justice is worth emulating.

"By her example of incorruptibility, diligence, vision, and leadership, Justice and Ombudsman Carpio-Morales is able to set the highest ethical standards in public service that should inspire the youth and the future generations of Filipinos," she said.

Last July 25, Carpio-Morales has retired as Ombudsman after completing a seven-year full term, making her the second Ombudsman to have completed a term after Aniano Desierto. She is the Ombudsman from 2011 to 2018.

Under Carpio-Morles' leadership, the former justice secretary noted, the Office of the Ombudsman has significantly reduced the backlog of cases in its docket.

She pointed out that the Office of the Ombudsman during Carpio-Morales' term recorded an improved conviction rate of its prosecutors to 75 percent--from 68 percent in 2015 and 2016, and 41 percent in 2011 -- while ensuring the accountability of several high-ranking officials and government employees for corruption.

"In recognition of her sterling record in the judiciary and her outstanding work as the Ombudsman, Justice Carpio-Morales has received numerous awards," De Lima recalled.

Among Carpio-Morales' award include the UP Alumni Association's Outstanding Award in Championing Justice/Judiciary on the occasion of its Centenary, the Quezon City Government's Ten Most Outstanding Citizens for 2013, The Philippine Daily Inquirer's Filipino of the Year in 2014, and the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Awards for 2016.

In her resolution, De Lima maintained the Senate should honor Carpio-Morales because she "exemplifies the best and the brightest in Philippine government service that is worthy of admiration of the Filipino people."

Prior to holding a post at the Ombudsman, Carpio-Morales held the post of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, and served in the lower courts, as well as in the Department of Justice.

It may be recalled that Carpio-Morales has secured appointments from five Philippine presidents including Ferdinand Marcos, Corazon "Cory" Aquino, Fidel Ramos, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.

In De Lima's Dispatch from Crame No. 350, the Senator from Bicol said that "whoever will replace [Carpio-Morales] will have big, big shoes to fill."

On July 26, Mr. Duterte announced the appointment of Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Martires as the new Ombudsman, thereby succeeding Carpio-Morales.

News Latest News Feed