Palace Urges JBC to Begin Selection Process for Next Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on Tuesday urged the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) to expedite the selection process for the replacement of Deputy Ombudsman Mark Jalandoni after President Benigno Aquino III accepted his resignation.

“This is to inform you that the President accepts your resignation as Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon effective immediately,” the Executive Secretary wrote Jalandoni.

The Palace received Jalandoni’s irrevocable resignation letter dated April 7, 2011 with immediate effect late Tuesday afternoon, which was sent via registered mail. He also thanked the President “for having been given the opportunity to serve the country.”

Ochoa earlier said that Malacanang would respect Jalandoni’s decision to step down from office, saying it was his prerogative.

Jalandoni was appointed deputy ombudsman for Luzon in March 2010 and headed the Office of the Ombudsman’s Field Investigation Office prior to his appointment.

He was state prosecutor of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and program director of the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Program under the DOJ before he joined the Office of the Ombudsman and once served as undersecretary of the Office of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel.

Before Jalandoni’s resignation, there were three complaints filed against him last week with the Office of the President, which accused him of usurpation of authority, among others.