It is ironic and significant that the very first section of Article XI, which spells out the cardinal principle of “accountability of public officers,” and created the independent office of the Ombudsman, declaratively states:

“Section 1. Public office is a public trust. Public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives.”