The proposed bill also proposed that the Office of the Ombudsman’s functions be reformed to make it independent from the Executive Branch.
President Johnson Toribiong however opposed the measure saying that the HOD “ is sending the wrong signal to the United States.”He said elimination of the Special Prosecutor’s Office violates a provision in the Compact of Free Association agreement between Palau and U.S.He said the US wants a transparent government and is not in favor of a policy that will open doors for corruption in the government.He said Palau is in a middle of Compact negotiations with the government, this measure he said could affect the country’s efforts. The measure proposed that when a situation arises that requires prosecution that the Office of the Attorney General cannot handle, a temporary prosecutor shall be appointed to prosecute that matter, rather than maintaining a standing office.As for the functions of the Office of the Ombudsman, the House wants it to be an independent office so that its duties can be removed from any political concerns.The measure stated that the advantages of a functioning Ombudsman office are numerous. An Ombudsman can investigate maladministration of government services and resolve related disputes, thereby preventing more expensive oversight or litigation.Governmental agencies can also benefit from having improper delivery of services brought to their attention so that their service delivery methods can be improved.Citizens can also benefit from having an office through which to air their complaints about services, and having an independent investigator to help correct the situation that led to the grievance. The Ombudsman will also give recommendations on agency actions, and provide for conciliation services between those agencies and affected individuals.
