Despite facing several legal challenges, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has been included in the shortlist of nominees prepared by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) for the position of Ombudsman.
In a letter dated October 6 (Monday) and signed by Acting Supreme Court Chief Justice Marvic Leonen, the JBC named seven nominees in alphabetical order:
- Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) Chairperson Michael Aguinaldo
- Retired Court of Appeals Justice Stephen Cruz
- Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan
- Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Anna Liza Logan
- Retired Supreme Court Justice Mario Lopez
- Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Michael Frederick Musngi
- Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla
The new Ombudsman will succeed former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, whose seven-year term ended last July 27.
Under the 1987 Constitution, the Ombudsman acts as an independent government critic who examines laws, procedures, and administrative practices; ensures the efficient delivery of public services; and serves as a watchdog over the conduct and performance of government officials and employees.
The Ombudsman holds a fixed term of seven years and can only be removed through impeachment.
It may be recalled that Senator Imee Marcos, sister of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., previously criticized the possible appointment of Remulla to the Ombudsman post due to his alleged involvement in the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) move to arrest former President Rodrigo Duterte.