Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez, the first female Ombudsman of the Philippines, was sworn in today as chairperson of the National Council of Senior Citizens (NCSC).
Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo administered the oath of office in a ceremony attended by Gutierrez’s children — Johnny, Dino and Margarita, who currently serves as an undersecretary at the Department of Justice.
Also present to welcome Gutierrez into her new role were Assistant Secretary Jomar Canlas from the Office of the Executive Secretary, former Special Prosecutor Wendell P. Sulit, and FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist Rep. Brian Poe Llamanzares.
Gutierrez has a long career in public service, with previous posts including Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and acting secretary of the Department of Justice.
Her extensive experience in governance, justice, and transparency is expected to guide her leadership in addressing the rights and needs of the country’s senior citizens.
