What’s next after Comelec? Guanzon says she’s shortlisted for deputy Visayas Ombudsman

Outgoing senior poll Commissioner Rowena Guanzon on Wednesday disclosed that she has been shortlisted for the position of deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas.

“I was shortlisted as deputy ombudsman for the Visayas and there are three of us. One from Davao, one is a director in the Ombudsman here in Manila. Well, it is up to the President [whether] he appoints me or not. But I am a no-nonsense career public servant and a professor of law. So, I will serve,” Guanzon said in an interview on CNN Philippines.

She is also not closing the door to politics, noting that her family is involved in the local race in Negros Occidental.

“Maybe in 2025…Let’s see, but three years is a short time,” Guanzon said.

Guanzon will retire from the poll body on February 3, along with Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Sheriff Abas and Commissioner Antonio Kho Jr.

She has been in the headlines lately after she accused fellow Commissioner Aimee Ferolino of deliberately delaying the resolution of the consolidated disqualification cases against presidential aspirant Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

While leaving the Comelec First Division with the Marcos cases still unresolved, Guanzon said she will retire with honor and excellence.

“I retire today at midnight with a glass of wine in my hand and a Bible on my left. I wish to end this with much pride that I retire with honor and excellence, true to the traditions of the University of the Philippines and the principles of my family and my parents—excellence, integrity, honor, justice,” Guanzon said.

“I hope those who have watched me in the last few days, especially the young people will be inspired to enter government service and always stand for what is right,” she added.

Guanzon also reminded the sitting and upcoming commissioners of the poll body that “public office is a public trust.”

She said they are tasked to be the “guardians of democracy” and they should not commit acts that will create doubts in the institution.

A retirement ceremony is set for Guanzon, Abas, and Kho this afternoon at the Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City. — BM, GMA News