The head of a group called the Movement of Enlightened and Responsible Citizens Against Impeachment (MERCI) revealed that Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez resigned due to a chain of family crises that reduced her to a nervous wreck thus diminishing her efficiency and effectiveness as Ombudsman.
Lawyer Salvador Panelo, an avid supporter of the resigned Ombudsman, said the mother of Gutierrez is gravely ill while her husband’s health has been deteriorating for the past days.
Panelo said Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez has made the supreme personal sacrifice of resigning her constitutional office despite her resolute conviction of her innocence and unwavering belief that the articles of impeachment do not amount to a betrayal of public trust.
He added that the root cause of her problems was the continuing assault on her character and reputation that was magnified by the media.
With the resignation of Gutierrez, Panelo further said that the senators can now focus their attention and energy on more important and pressing national concerns instead of the impeachment trial, while President Aquino will no longer have a convenient excuse to go after the corrupt and grafters,.
Overall Deputy Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro will temporarily take charge of the office starting May6.
