Malacañang optimistic of Ombudsman conviction 03/19/2011

Malacañang optimistic of Ombudsman conviction

03/19/2011
Sheer optimism was the least Malacañang could exude when confronted yesterday with a possible scenario that the impeach-ment bid against Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez might turn out unsuccessful once it gets elevated to the Senate.

Deputy presidential spokes-man Abigail Valte indicated that Malacañang is not prepared for an acquittal of Gutierrez by the Senate whose members ap-parently struggle to maintain independence following the recent “uncommon” visit paid by Liberal Party Sen. Teofisto “TG” Guingona III to President Aquino.

“At this point, we have to be very optimistic on what is going to happen and, again, we are hoping that the proceedings (will) take their course,” Valte told reporters at a press briefing.

Malacañang would not accept a disappointing end on its bid to have Gutierrez ousted just so the President can finally install a new head at the Office of the Ombudsman who, Valte said, will genuinely support the aims of the Aquino administration to curb the longstanding problems of corruption in the country. .... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110319hed5.html