President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla as the new Ombudsman, Malacañang announced on Tuesday.
In a statement released by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Remulla is expected to “uphold transparency, strengthen anti-corruption measures, and ensure that justice is administered fairly and efficiently.”
“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirms that transparency, fairness and the rule of law will remain the guiding principles of this administration’s pursuit of a Bagong Pilipinas that truly serves the Filipino people,” the PCO said.
The Palace described Remulla as a public servant whose long years in government have earned him respect across various sectors.
“His (Remulla) decades of service as a legislator, governor, and lawyer have earned him broad respect for his integrity and commitment to public service,” the statement added.
Remulla replaces former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, whose term officially ended on July 27. Before assuming his new post, Remulla served as the 59th Secretary of the Department of Justice since June 2022, during which he led key reforms aimed at modernizing the justice system, decongesting prison facilities, speeding up case resolutions, and improving access to legal aid.
His appointment comes at a crucial time, amid growing public concern over alleged irregularities in government infrastructure projects, particularly flood control programs that are now under intense scrutiny from both lawmakers and the public.
The PCO emphasized that the Marcos administration will continue to push for accountability at all levels of government.
“The administration remains firm in its commitment to fight corruption wherever it exists,” the PCO said. “There will be no sacred cows, no exemptions, and no excuses. Public office is a public trust, and those who betray it will be held accountable.”
In a briefing with Palace reporters, PCO Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said Remulla underwent a “very stringent” selection process and expressed confidence in his impartiality.
“As I said, there’s a vetting process, which is provided for by our Constitution and our laws. And he went through that very rigorous process, selection process, which started with the JBC,” Gomez said.
“At the end of the day, after the President receives the recommendation of the JBC, it is still the decision of the President after he receives the shortlist.”