Senator Imee Marcos appeared unsurprised by the appointment of former Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla as the country’s new Ombudsman.
In an interview with reporters on Tuesday, October 7, Sen. Marcos said she had already anticipated the development even before it was formally announced.
“Ang totoo, in-expect ko na kasi patungo na ro’n ‘yong sobrang bilis na pagdi-dismiss ng iba’t ibang kaso sa Ombudsman. […] Gano’n din ‘yong sudden inclusion ni Sec. Remulla. Talagang binabaliktad na ‘yong kanilang mga sariling patakaran. ‘Di na sinusunod ‘yong batas,” she said.
She also expressed disappointment over the recent changes, saying she was compelled to withhold her support for a new Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) member despite personally knowing and respecting the individual.
“Nakakalungkot po. Na-obliga po akong i-defer at hindi suportahan ‘yong appointment ng bagong JBC [Judicial Bar and Council] member kahit kilala ko siya at alam kong mahusay siyang huwes,” Marcos added.
Even before Remulla’s official appointment, Sen. Marcos had already voiced her opposition to the move.
“Isang sapilitang pagtatalaga ng taong hindi karapat-dapat, may mga nakabinbin na kaso at may bahid ng kawalang-hustisya,” the senator previously said.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. appointed Remulla as Ombudsman, succeeding Samuel Martires, whose term ended in July 2025.
Meanwhile, Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Fredderick Vida will temporarily serve as officer-in-charge in Remulla’s vacated post at the DOJ.