During their tenure, they shall be subject to the same disqualifications and prohibitions
as provided for in Section 2 of Article 1X-A of this Constitution.
Section 9. The Ombudsman and his Deputies shall be appointed by the President from a
list of at least six nominees prepared by the Judicial and Bar Council, and from a list of
three nominees for every vacancy thereafter. Such appointments shall require no
confirmation. All vacancies shall be filled within three months after they occur.
Section 10. The Ombudsman and his Deputies shall have the rank of Chairman and
Members, respectively, of the Constitutional Commissions, and they shall receive the
same salary which shall not be decreased during their term of office.
Section 11. The Ombudsman and his Deputies shall serve for a term of seven years
without reappointment. They shall not be qualified to run for any office in the election
immediately succeeding their cessation from office.
Section 12. The Ombudsman and his Deputies, as protectors of the people, shall act
promptly on complaints filed in any form or manner against public officials or
employees of the Government, or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof,
including government-owned or controlled corporations, and shall, in appropriate
cases, notify the complainants of the action taken and the result thereof.
Section 13. The Office of the Ombudsman shall have the following powers, functions,
and duties:
(1) Investigate on its own, or on complaint by any person, any act or omission of
any public official, employee, office or agency, when such act or omission appears
to be illegal, unjust, improper, or inefficient.
(2) Direct, upon complaint or at its own instance, any public official or employee
of the Government, or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, as well
as of any government-owned or controlled corporation with original charter, to
perform and expedite any act or duty required by law, or to stop, prevent, and
correct any abuse or impropriety in the performance of duties.
(3) Direct the officer concerned to take appropriate action against a public official
or employee at fault, and recommend his removal, suspension, demotion, fine,
censure, or prosecution, and ensure compliance therewith.
(4) Direct the officer concerned, in any appropriate case, and subject to such
limitations as may be provided by law, to furnish it with copies of documents
relating to contracts or transactions entered into by his office involving the
disbursement or use of public funds or properties, and report any irregularity to
the Commission on Audit for appropriate action.