Apostol Retires as Deputy Ombudsman

Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol retires on Wednesday as deputy ombudsman for the Visayas.

President Aquino, however, has yet to appoint his replacement.

Among the contenders for the post vacated by Apostol are Carla Juris Narvios-Tanco, Geraldine Faith A. Econg, Paul Elmer Clemente, Gilbert G. Kintanar, and Vicente L. Gengos, Jr..

Apostol said if he were to choose, he would pick Narvios-Tanco, the acting director of the Ombudsman-Visayas’ Public Assistance and Corruption Office.

“(I’m) hoping nga si Director Tanco, dahil kilala ko na siya. Except for (Paul Elmer) Clemente, I don’t know with other aspirants,” said Apostol.

Apostol said the President has 90 days, since his retirement, to appoint a replacement, “for management purposes,” and so the transactions would still continue at the anti-graft office.

He said the Ombudsman Manila will appoint an officer-in-charge, which could be his next-in-command.

Apostol wished that may his successor will continue the gains they have already acquired.