Martires takes oath as Ombudsman

Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Martires has taken his oath as the country’s new Ombudsman.

Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio administered the oath at the SC Session Hall in the presence of Martires’ wife, Supreme Court justices, and court staff on Monday morning.

Appointed chief graft-buster last July 26, Martires succeeded retired Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, who was also formerly a justice of the high tribunal.

Martires has said he will prioritize looking into the issue of inordinate delay and corruption allegations at the Office of the Ombudsman, including one made by a former lawyer of President Rodrigo Duterte involving the payment of a “parking fee” to delay the resolution of pending cases at the anti-graft body. —KBK, GMA News