The Ombudsman, also known as the People’s Advocate, will enjoy immunity from prosecution under a bill that passed the first reading today.

The bill says that the Ombudsman shall not be detained, arrested or searched without the consent of Parliament, and his/her deputies without a prior notification of Parliament. This does not apply to in flagrante delicto cases.

Apart from this, changes are proposed to the procedures of selecting, appointing and dismissing the Ombudsman. One such proposal says that all the successful candidates for the office may be proposed to Parliament, as opposed to only two under the current rules. Also, dismissing the Ombudsman could only happen after hearing him or her in Parliament.

Another proposal is to extend the Ombudman’s powers by authorizing him/her to receive complaints from legal entities as well, in addition to individuals.