Ombudsman aspirants push for lifestyle checks on officials

Several aspirants for the Ombudsman position advocate for the implementation of lifestyle checks on government officials to combat corruption.

This includes former BIR commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares, who stressed that a lifestyle check is an "inherent power" of the Ombudsman and one of its "major tools" to prevent corruption.

Jacinto-Henares explained that lifestyle checks also extend to the families of government officials, allowing authorities to review their income and lifestyle based on the taxes they have paid.

Her statement comes amid a recent order by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to conduct a lifestyle check on government officials, beginning with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), as his administration investigates alleged anomalies in flood-control projects nationwide.

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) is currently selecting candidates for the next Ombudsman, who will serve until 2032 and replace Samuel Martires.

The President will appoint the new Ombudsman, a crucial decision given the office's power to investigate, prosecute, and discipline public officials.