Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said the next Ombudsman should embody the “three I’s” — integrity, intelligence, and insight — to effectively detect and prevent corruption.
Speaking after the August 28 interview of Ombudsman applicants, Cayetano, who represents the Senate in the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), stressed that these qualities are crucial for the country’s top anti-graft official.
“Y’ung integrity kasi, kahit anong talino mo, kung corrupt ka o hindi ka mapagkakatiwalaan, bale-wala. Ngayon, kung may integrity at honest ka, pero mas matalino sa ‘yo lahat ng corrupt, wala rin mangyayari,” he said.
Cayetano added that insight is equally important, citing alleged irregularities in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). “It’s the best-kept secret in the sense na ngayon lang pumutok. But it’s not a secret anymore,” according to him.
He also pointed out that the Ombudsman must keep pace with the fast flow of information in today’s digital era.
“Iba na y’ung age ngayon na instant ang news. Most of you now naka-cellphone na rather than those na naka-big cameras. Some of you, naka-post o naka-live na agad. So, kailangan up-to-date y’ung bagong Ombudsman sa mga bagong sistema na ganyan.”IMT
