By Junex Doronio
(Maharlika NuMedia Exclusive)

MANILA — The experience was surreal, to say the least.

Believing that suppression of press freedom is now a thing of the past and there’s still democratic space under the second Marcos administration, this writer went to the Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City located on a street named after the late anti-graft crusader and “very transparent” Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago to dig up an old corruption case of a town mayor which appears to be gathering dust for several years.

Ironically, even if the local chief executive had been ordered suspended thrice by the Ombudsman but his case – classified by the Ombudsman – has apparently not yet been elevated to the Sandiganbayan.

Notwithstanding its courteous security guards and employees, a de facto martial law pervades the Office of the Ombudsman to my dismay who have experienced, first-hand, suppression of press freedom during the first Marcos administration.

I thought the times are a-changin’ and there’s no more martial law under the administration of my fellow Baby Boomer, President Ferdinand “Bongbong/Bonget” Romualdez Marcos Jr.

To recall, on June 19, 2023, while speaking before international information commissioners and ombudsmen during the 14th edition of the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) Marcos Jr. said a whole-of-nation approach is needed to promote freedom of information, which, he said, is vital to good governance.

“At this juncture, I reiterate our call not only to the executive branch but to all branches of government, to genuinely uphold and give effect to the people’s freedom of information in the course of our day-to-day operations, with good faith and with openness,” Marcos Jr. said.

“Undeniably, this is in our best interest as a nation. It is a key to our pursuit of good governance, improved public services, and a more progressive and sustainable society,” he added.

Marcos Jr. also assured the ICIC that the Philippines will continue to promote freedom of information.

“With a whole-of-nation approach, we will strive to maintain a government that is not only effective and efficient but also transparent and accountable to our people,” he said.

But is the Office of the Ombudsman exempted from this marching order from the President?

A slip on the Verification of Cases was given to me at the Records Section stating in big bold letters that “TO PROTECT THE INTEGRITY AND CONFIDENTIALITY OF INVESTIGATION OF CASES, ONLY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ARE ALLOWED TO INQUIRE REGARDING STATUS OF CASE/S FILE BEFORE THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY OMBUDSMAN FOR LUZON, TO WIT:

·         COMPLAINANT (s)

·         RESPONDENT (s)

·         COUNSEL FOR RESPONDENT (s)/COMPLAINANT (s)

(with formal Entry of Appearance)

·         Representative for Respondent (s)/Complainant (s)

(with proper Authorization)

(And Presentation of Valid ID of Client and Representative)

(el Amigo/mnm)