黑料社

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Tuesday on Tuesday belied reports that he has pending cases before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Bello is one of the aspirants to fill the position to be vacated by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales by July.

Reports earlier quoted Oriental Mindoro Representative Rey Umali and Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra that Bello鈥檚 chances of being shortlisted may be affected because of a pending complaint against him. Umali and Guevarra are members of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC).

During Tuesday鈥檚 JBC interview of the aspirants, Bello presented a clearance from the Office of the Ombudsman which states that he has no pending administrative and criminal cases.

鈥淎fter I learned the news that I may be disqualified, I asked the Ombudsman [on the status of the complaint],鈥� Bello said as he showed to the media a copy of his clearance.

Bello said President Rodrigo Duterte has asked him to join the administration鈥檚 senatorial line-up for six to seven times. In order to stop the President from making such a request, Bello told the President that he is seeking the Ombudsman鈥檚 post. 鈥淚 told him I am applying for the job (as Ombudsman),鈥� he said.

When asked about his capability, Bello said that having been asked to work for four Presidents is an indication that he is qualified for the job.聽 /muf