Editorial

Chronic

Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa Ignacio is accused by his colleagues of collecting his salary despite his chronic absences. Villa Ignacio explains he has been hospitalized, diagnosed with two blocked arteries, but says he is not allowing his detractors to capitalize on his physical condition and pressure him into resigning altogether.

He believes Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez has been orchestrating moves to unseat him. She had, in fact, dismantled the Office of the Special Prosecutor just weeks ago, as if to spite him for openly criticizing her failure to act on high-profile corruption cases in the Arroyo administration.

And indeed, an increasing number of groups are demanding Gutierrez’ ouster for the same reasons given by Villa Ignacio. To say that the Ombudsman has fared below expectations is accurate—despite the parade of corruption cases that caught the public’s fancy, Gutierrez’ office has yet to convict anybody prominent enough to make a dent in the fight against corruption. Her lackluster performance has made it easy for critics of the administration to exploit her links with the First Family.

If Gutierrez wants to prove her critics wrong, she must rid herself of distractions and act now. She must show that her office’s previous name, the Tanodbayan, reflects the mission of the Office of the Ombudsman—to guard the public’s interest against erring public officials.

Villa Ignacio, for his part, remains part of the organization. Instead of badmouthing his colleagues, he must instead find ways to help facilitate investigations. Why must he cling to his post if he cannot work with his peers? Like compensated absenteeism, that, too, would be a waste of taxpayers’ money.

Villa Ignacio calls the petitions against him pathetic; there are issues in the Office of the Ombudsman that merit more attention than his absences. He is correct. So he must know that the public is not amused at the sight of him and his boss trading barbs over media.