Background
Desierto was born on April 25, 1935 in Cebu City.
Desierto was born on April 25, 1935 in Cebu City.
University of the Philippines.
He headed the Ombudsman Office which investigates all government officials who defy the law of conduct. He assumed the Office of the Philippine Ombudsman on August 4, 1995 as the second person to head the post. From 1961 to 1974, Desierto was engaged in private law practice in Cebu and Manila.
He started his career in the government service when he was appointed as Judge Advocate, Office of the AFP Judge Advocate General in 1974.
In 1988, he was appointed Deputy Judge Advocate General. He later served as The Special Prosecutor of the Prosecution Bureau of the Office of the Ombudsman from April 1, 1991 to August 3, 1995.
On August 4, 1995, he was appointed Ombudsman by then President Fidel V. Ramos. He served until he retired, or "finish(ed) my term" as he stated it, in August 2002.
He was criticized by some for not aggressively investigating and prosecuting cases of corruption.
After he left office, he unsuccessfully sought a slot on the country"s Supreme Court.