LEGAL WRITING – Letter of Complaint to the Ombudsman

Background on the Office of the Ombudsman

 Investigates/prosecutes on its own, or from a complaint by any person, any acts or omissions by
a public officer or employee that is unjust, illegal, improper or inefficient.
Forms of Complaints
 Section 3, Rule 1 of the Rules of Procedure of the Office of the Ombudsman (Administrative
Order 07) states that complaints may be in any form – verbal or in writing. However, it is
recommended that complaints be in writing and under oath (notarized).

Sec. 3. FORM OF COMPLAINTS, GRIEVANCE OR REQUESTS FOR

ASSISTANCE. — Complaints may be in any form, either verbal or in writing.
For a speedier disposition of the complaint, however, it is preferable that it be
in writing and under oath. A complaint which does not disclose the identity of
the complainant will be acted upon only if it merits appropriate
consideration, or contains sufficient leads or particulars to enable the taking
of further action.

Grievances or requests for assistance may likewise be verbal or in writing. In

any case, the requesting or complaining party must indicate his address and
telephone number, if any.

 Letters of complaints may be due to a criminal complaint, administrative complaint, or

grievances or request for assistance to complain or to seek relief concerning illegal/unjust acts
of a public official.
Suggested information to be included in the Letter of Complaint to the Ombudsman
 What are you complaining about
 When did the problem/incident occur
 Who are the persons involved in the anomaly/incident
 Where did the incident take place
 How did it happen
 Other suggested information: with attached supporting evidence; must be notarized (Sworn
statement)