Senator Imee Marcos vowed she will do everything in her power to prevent Justice Secretary Boying Remulla from becoming the next Ombudsman.
In a press conference, Marcos insisted that Remulla is not “qualified” to succeed Ombudsman Samuel Martires, who is scheduled to retire this year.
“Tinutukan ko ang Plan A nila na People’s Initiative, Cha-cha. Binuking ko ang Plan B, ‘yang impeachment, para mawala sa landas nila si VP Sara sa 2028. Ngayon, nasa Plan C na po tayo, sa Ombudsman naman. Noon pa’y, nakita ko na kaya ako nagsampa ng kaso nung May 2, nandoon ako sa Ombudsman. Kung hindi kayo titigil sa pamumulitika, mag-asaran tayo. Hindi ko rin kayo tatantanan,” Marcos declared.
She claimed that Remulla’s bid to become Ombudsman is part of the administration’s strategy to stop Vice President Sara Duterte from running in the 2028 presidential race, where she is emerging as a frontrunner in early surveys.
The senator also pointed out that Remulla has pending cases before the Office of the Ombudsman, which she said makes it impossible for him to obtain the required clearance.
“Klaro ‘yung conflict of interest. Hindi naman maitatakwil na may kaso. So, two sets of cases against Secretary Boying Remulla presently pending before the Ombudsman. Kung paano siya magkakaroon ng clearance from the Ombudsman? Pipilitin talaga,” she stressed.
Remulla, however, has stood firm, saying he will not withdraw his application despite Marcos’ opposition.
The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) began vetting applicants for the Ombudsman post last week.