Statement

of

His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III

President of the Philippines

On the resignation of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez

[Delivered during a press briefing at Malacañan Palace on April 29, 2011]

This morning, Merceditas Gutierrez personally submitted to me her resignation as our country’s Ombudsman, effective May 6.

Her action has spared the country from a long and divisive impeachment process that would have distracted our lawmakers from dealing with the many problems we face today.

It also paves the way for the appointment of a new Ombudsman.

I thank the House of Representatives. I now urge the Judicial and Bar Council to begin the search for a new Ombudsman. With the support of the public, we can now proceed more decisively in making government officials more accountable to their bosses, the Filipino people.

Thank you.