Composition of the Office of the Ombudsman
- The Office shall consist of the Ombudsman (known as Tanodbayan), one overall Deputy, and at least one Deputy each for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
- A separate Deputy for the Military establishment may also be appointed.
Appointment of Officials and Employees
- The Ombudsman appoints officials and employees of the Office, except the Deputies, according to Civil Service Law.
Qualifications of the Ombudsman and Deputies
- Must be natural-born Filipino citizens.
- Must be at least forty years old at appointment.
- Must possess recognized probity and independence.
- Must be members of the Philippine Bar.
- Must not have been candidates for any elective office in the immediately preceding election.
- Ombudsman must have at least ten years as a judge or law practitioner in the Philippines.
- Subject to disqualifications and prohibitions under Section 2, Article IX-A of the Constitution during tenure.
Appointment Process
- The President appoints the Ombudsman and Deputies from lists of nominees prepared by the Judicial and Bar Council.
- A list of at least six nominees for initial appointment and three nominees for each subsequent vacancy is required.
- Appointments require no confirmation.
- Vacancies must be filled within three months.
Rank and Compensation
- Ombudsman and Deputies have the rank equivalent to Chairman and Members of the Constitutional Commissions.
- They receive the same salary, which cannot be decreased during their term.
Term of Office and Restrictions
- Term is seven years without reappointment.
- They are disqualified from running for any office in the immediately succeeding election after their term.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Act promptly on complaints against public officials or government employees.
- Notify complainants about actions taken and results.
Powers and Functions
- Investigate acts or omissions of public officials/employees on its own or upon complaint.
- Direct officials/employees to perform or expedite duties, or prevent abuses.
- Recommend disciplinary actions including removal, suspension, demotion, fine, censure, or prosecution.
- Require copies of documents related to contracts and report irregularities to Commission on Audit.
- Request assistance and information from government agencies and examine records.
- Publicize investigation matters prudently when warranted.
- Identify causes of inefficiency, corruption, and recommend solutions.
- Promulgate rules of procedure and perform duties as prescribed by law.
Fiscal Autonomy
- The Office enjoys fiscal autonomy with approved appropriations automatically and regularly released.
Repeal and Effectivity
- All inconsistent laws, orders, rules, or regulations are repealed or modified accordingly.
- The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon signing.