Sandiganbayan presiding justice vies for Ombudsman ‘to serve more people’

Metro Manila, Philippines - Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith Econg has indicated preference to be on the prosecution side rather than with the Bench in applying for Ombudsman to “serve more people.”

“It’s not a demotion, but we have dreams, it’s my way of reaching my dream to serve more people and to work for the good of our country,” she told reporters on Friday, July 11.

Econg was appointed presiding justice in January for a term of 12 years until she reaches the retirement age of 70.

On the other hand, the Ombudsman, which investigates and prosecutes complaints against public officials for alleged “illegal, unjust, improper or inefficient” acts, has a fixed seven-year term.

“I’m not after the term, the length of service. It’s the meaning and the value of service that count,” Econg said.

She said the functions of the Ombudsman’s office are “not strange to us,” adding it was a “natural magnet” for Sandiganbayan justices.

Aside from Econg, Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Michael Musngi also applied for Ombudsman.

There were 17 applicants for the position. The list included Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, former Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares, and incumbent Philippine Competition Commission Chairman Michael Aguinaldo.

Ombudsman Samuel Martires will retire on July 27.