Marcos appoints ex-Ombudsman Gutierrez to lead Senior Citizens Commission

Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed former Ombudsman and Justice Secretary Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez as chairperson of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), Malacañang announced Wednesday, Oct. 22.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed the appointment in a Palace briefing, saying Gutierrez will serve until Sept. 17, 2031.

“Confirmed,” Castro said when asked about reports of Gutierrez’s appointment.

When asked about the reason behind the appointment, Castro said the president values leadership and competence in his appointees.

“Unang-una naman po ang gusto ng pangulo kapag po ito’y kanyang itinalaga ay dapat na magaling na isang lider at isang magaling na namumuno,” she said.

[Translation: The president always wants to appoint someone who is an excellent leader and a capable manager.]

Gutierrez was a member of the Government Service Insurance System Board of Trustees.

She was also ombudsman from 2005 to 2011 and justice secretary under then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The NCSC, created in 2019, formulates policies and coordinates programs that promote the welfare, rights, and social inclusion of senior citizens.