In July 2002, the Transparency and Accountability Network [TAN] launched the Ombudsman Watch project with the objective of increasing transparency and accountability of the appointment process involving the Ombudsman. The campaign for transparency was successful and resulted in the adoption of public interviews of candidates for the relevant position in the Judicial and Bar Council rules. Moreover, it resulted in the appointment of a credible, independent and a person of integrity for the Ombudsman position - Simeon Marcelo.

During Marcelo's leadership, anticorruption efforts were strengthened because of a strong support and dedication by his leadership to the anticorruption fight. Marcelo initiated contact with civil society and encouraged them to work with the government in the fight against corruption. Marcelo's lifestyle check program worked silently yet effectively. Various government officials and staff were investigated for acts of graft and corruption and, when the situation warranted, dismissed.

On September 30, 2005, Ombudsman Simeon P. Marcelo tendered his irrevocable resignation to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo citing health reasons. This piece of news saddened civil society, as Ombudsman Marcelo had become their shining beacon of anti-corruption within the government. Merceditas Gutierrez, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, succeeded Marcelo on December 1, 2005.

Marcelo's term, which is continued by Gutierrez, will expire on October 2009.