Manila: The Office of the Ombudsman may soon have its own law enforcement arm capable of making arrests and conducting searches and seizures under a measure filed in the Senate. Senator Panfilo Lacson announced Tuesday that Senate Bill 2394, or the proposed Ombudsman Marshall Service Act, aims to reduce the anti-graft body's reliance on the Philippine National Police (PNP) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for law enforcement functions.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson highlighted the necessity of this measure after witnessing the challenges faced by the Ombudsman in investigating cases related to flood control, reclamation, and other infrastructure projects. He emphasized the importance of equipping the Ombudsman with its own law enforcement arm to focus on graft and corruption cases, which are under its mandate. The proposed law enforcement arm would enable the Ombudsman to apply for search warrants and serve arrest warrants, thereby streamlining its operations.

SB 2394 seeks to amend Republic Act 6770, also known as the Ombudsman Act of 1989, by establishing an Ombudsman Marshall Service. This service would be responsible for conducting proactive inspections, inquiries, and investigations to collect evidence and build cases. Ombudsman Marshals, as the peace officers would be known, would have the authority to make arrests, detain individuals, conduct lawful searches and seizures, and perform various forms of investigation.

Furthermore, the service would be empowered to enforce orders, writs, and processes issued by the Ombudsman, Sandiganbayan, and other anti-corruption courts and agencies. Marshals would be permitted to carry suitable firearms while performing their duties and protecting witnesses and individuals in custody, without requiring permits from other government agencies.

The measure also mandates the provision of adequate facilities for detainees under investigation, whistleblowers, and witnesses in the service's custody. The proposed service would be led by a Special Investigator, who would enjoy the rank, salary, benefits, and retirement privileges equivalent to those of a Deputy Ombudsman.

Lacson has engaged with Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights chairperson Senator Francis Pangilinan to prioritize hearings and sponsorship of the bill. He also suggested the formation of a subcommittee to handle the measure, enabling him to defend it in plenary and expedite its passage. Additionally, Lacson has discussed the proposal with House of Representatives Justice Committee chairperson, Rep. Gerville Luistro, whose panel is managing its counterpart measure.

The senator identified strengthening the Ombudsman as one of the recommendations resulting from the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee's inquiry into irregular flood control projects.