Ombudsman suspends operation of public assistance offices amid COVID-19 pandemic

The Office of the Ombudsman has indefinitely suspended the operation of its public assistance offices amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, Ombudsman Samuel Martires said the move was part of the office’s adoption of an alternative work arrangement due to the General Community Quarantine.

The Ombudsman has also suspended its walk-in policy for filing complaints and issuing clearances amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

New complaints may now be filed online via the Ombudsman’s website at www.ombudsman.gov.ph while applicants for clearance should also file their application via the same website.

“These policies are being adopted to protect the transacting public and the skeletal workforce of the Office of the Ombudsman. We thank you for your understanding,” the Ombudsman said.

Likewise, the Ombudsman’s office said that the release of clearances will be made via mail or courier, and that there will be no personal pick-up of clearances.

“The Quezon City Office will be open on Mondays to Fridays, from 9:00am to 3:00pm, for the receipt of pleadings and other documents,” the Ombudsman added.

The Ombudsman law mandates the Ombudsman and his Deputies “to  act promptly on complaints filed in any form or manner against officers or employees of the government, or of any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled corporations, and enforce their administrative, civil and criminal liability in every case where the evidence warrants in order to promote efficient service by the government to the people.”

The Philippines has recorded 18,086 COVID-19 cases so far. Of this number, 3,909 recovered while 957 died.

Quarantine protocols have been eased starting today, June 1, to allow people to physically report back to work and make mass transport available albeit on a scaled down basis to prevent COVID-19 transmission. -NB, GMA News