Office of the Ombudsman of the Philippines (Tanodbayan)
Ombudsman
Summary
The Office of the Ombudsman (Tanodbayan) is established under Article XI of the 1987 Constitution and Republic Act No. 6770 (The Ombudsman Act of 1989). The Ombudsman is appointed by the President from a list prepared by the Judicial and Bar Council for a 7-year non-renewable term; removal is only by impeachment for cause. The Office has comprehensive investigative authority over public officials, including full subpoena and compel-testimony powers, and may prosecute cases before the Sandiganbayan (anti-graft court). The Ombudsman also receives complaints about maladministration and acts as the primary anti-corruption prosecutor, making it a dual ombudsman/anti-corruption body.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 7 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Republic Act No. 6770 — The Ombudsman Act of 1989
- Citation
- Republic Act No. 6770 (The Ombudsman Act of 1989); Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines (1987), Art. XI, Secs. 5-14
- Full text
- Agency website →
Jurisdiction scope
All public officials of the national government, local governments, and government-owned and controlled corporations (except the President, members of Congress, and members of the judiciary — which are subject to separate processes); investigates maladministration and corruption, and may prosecute cases before the Sandiganbayan (anti-graft court).