Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 22) — State auditors flagged the workforce set up at the Office of the Ombudsman, noting that there were more high-level positions compared to low-level and mid-level positions.
In its 2019 audit report, the Commission on Audit (COA) said the Ombudsman’s workforce set up was far from ideal where there should be more doers than thinkers.
“It is worth stating that low- and mid-level positions, even considering the OMB’s uniqueness, are those considered as foot soldiers doing most of the legwork,” the report reads.
According to the COA, over 64 percent or 291 out of 457 of the anti-corruption agency’s core employees hold high-level positions with salary grades 26-28.
Only 166 employees hold low to mid-level positions such as associate graft investigating officer, graft prevention and control officer, and associate special prosecutor officer.
“The OMB’s core workforce scenario also affects the delivery of the agency’s function and mandate characterized by significant number of unresolved cases and/or complaints carry over year after year,” the COA said.
Auditors advised the Ombudsman’s Office to come up with a hiring policy prioritizing low and mid-level positions to expedite the resolution of pending complaints and cases.
In its reply to COA, the agency’s management said these are expected to be addressed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires’ newly formed Committee on Reorganization.
