Remulla confirms ombudsman ambition

National

AS Ombudsman Samuel Martires prepares to exit the stage, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla steps into the selection process for the country’s top anti-graft post.

Remulla confirmed on Monday that he plans to submit his application for ombudsman before the July 4 deadline set by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC). “I’m just about to apply. I’m submitting my application by Friday, before Friday,” he said in a Philstar report

The ombudsman holds a non-renewable seven-year term and is constitutionally mandated to investigate and prosecute public officials accused of wrongdoing, including graft and corruption. The office has the authority to file cases before the Sandiganbayan or regional trial courts and may only be removed through impeachment.

Martires, appointed in 2018 by then-president Rodrigo Duterte, will leave office on July 27. The President will appoint his successor from a shortlist prepared by the JBC.

Remulla, who has led the Department of Justice since 2022, said he believes the JBC is best positioned to assess his qualifications and what he can bring to the ombudsman’s office. He added that he has already informed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of his intention to seek the post.

Questions have been raised about a pending complaint filed against him before the Office of the Ombudsman by Senator Imee Marcos, who accused him and other government officials of committing criminal and administrative violations. The complaint stems from what Marcos claims was the illegal arrest and turnover of former president Duterte to the International Criminal Court.

Remulla said he sees no conflict arising from the case, expressing confidence that the JBC will properly evaluate the situation.

Prior to his Cabinet appointment, Remulla represented Cavite’s 7th District in Congress. He comes from the influential Remulla political family in the province and is the son of the late Cavite governor Juanito Remulla Sr., a longtime ally of the late president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.