Gibo thumbs down Ombudsman post

Former Defense secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. is not interested to be the next Ombudsman despite a possible recommendation from Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago. “I am humbled by and am most grateful for the kind words Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago said about me," Teodoro said in a statement issued on Thursday. “(But) my present endeavors do not allow me to consider returning to government service at this time." (See: Miriam wants Gibo to be the next Ombudsman.) Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez is set to step down from office on Friday, three days before she is supposed to face an impeachment trial at the Senate for alleged betrayal of public trust. Teodoro, a Bar topnotcher in 1989, ran for president in the May 2010 elections but lost to incumbent President Benigno Aquino III, his cousin. He placed fourth in the presidential race. The Constitution, however, prevents Teodoro from being appointed Ombudsman or even Deputy Ombudsman. Art. XI, Sec. 8 of the Constitution states that, “The Ombudsman and his Deputies... at the time of their appointment, ...must not have been candidates for any elective office in the immediately preceding election." Teodoro, nevertheless, thanked Santiago for “her continued trust in me, particularly when she vouched for my integrity and competence." Teodoro was appointed Defense secretary in August 2007 by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He served for two years. - KBK, GMA News