Can the Office of the Ombudsman investigate acts of public officials without a formal complaint from a citizen?
Yes, the Office of the Ombudsman possesses the legal authority to investigate government anomalies on its own initiative. It may investigate any act or omission of any public official or agency when such act appears illegal, unjust, improper, or inefficient. This allows the Ombudsman to proactively address corruption even if no private citizen files a formal complaint. This specific investigatory power is granted in Article XI, Section 13, 1987 Philippine Constitution. “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.” 06-Mar-26About Nicolas and De Vega Law Offices
Nicolas and De Vega Law Offices is a full-service law firm in the Philippines. You may visit us at the 16th Flr., Suite 1607 AIC Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, 1605 Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines. You may also call us at +632 84706126, +632 84706130, +632 84016392 or e-mail us at [email protected]. Visit our website https://ndvlaw.com/.
